Having Intermediate, Disparate, Interlock Element Patents (Class 81/474)
  • Patent number: 11701758
    Abstract: An electric portable power tool, having a housing, a shaft, a control cam, an electric drive accommodated in the housing to drive the drive shaft, and an output unit that is positively connected with the drive via a mechanical shut-off clutch to transfer torque from the drive to an insertion tool connected with the output unit. The mechanical shut-off clutch comprises a control ring that is axially mounted against the force of the return spring and at least one switch element that is run on the control cam. The control cam is delimited at one end by a first switching contour for providing a release torque of the shut-off clutch and by a boundary contour at another end. The control cam is associated with a second switching contour for providing a pre-torque which is less than the release torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Mueck, Frank Walz
  • Patent number: 11518010
    Abstract: A setting torque tool to tighten a screw or a similar fastener to a target torque is disclosed. The torque tool comprises a main body with a housing and a drive shaft, which is firmly attached to the housing to transfer a torque. The drive shaft has a connection area, to which a drive can be connected. An adapter for an operating tool rotates together with the housing and the drive shaft to transfer the torque, Sensor measure and evaluate the torque transferred. A release mechanism, which is arranged in the housing, releases the torque tool upon reaching a target torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: STAHLWILLE Eduard Wille GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Brad Jenkins, Rainer Schwafertz
  • Patent number: 11203102
    Abstract: A power driven in-line disposable torque-limiting device having a gearless clutch assembly with a first clutch element affixed to the cylindrical body, a second clutch element engaged with a shaft for rotation together with the shaft, one or more bearing elements disposed between the first clutch element and the second clutch element, and a compressive element configured to apply force across the clutch elements. The first clutch element and second clutch element exert compressive force, shearing force, or both on the one or more bearing elements to provide clutch functionality at predetermined torque limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson, David Tory
  • Patent number: 11167399
    Abstract: Manoeuvering flywheel of the type consisting of a main flywheel body composed of a cylindrical base and a crown consisting of a regular series of gripping lobes characterised in that the cylindrical base centrally provides a cylindrical cavity, wherein a septum is located which is centrally perforated, perpendicular to the directrices of the cylindrical cavity, and apt to make up two separate chambers, on the lower surface of which a series of engagement teeth is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: ELESA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Patent number: 11090745
    Abstract: A torque-adjustable tapping apparatus includes a tap, a wrench and a torque-adjusting mechanism including a shell, a primary adjuster and a clutch. The shell is connected to the wrench. The shell includes an internally threaded section. The primary adjuster includes an externally threaded section engaged with the internally threaded section. The clutch includes an upper gear and a lower gear. The upper gear includes teeth extending from a lower face and at least one restraining cutout in a periphery. The lower gear includes teeth extending from an upper face and a connective rod extending from a lower face. The teeth of the lower gear are engaged with the teeth of the upper gear. The connective rod is connected to the tap. At least one screw is inserted in the restraining cutout through the screw hole. A spring is compressed between the primary adjuster and the upper gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Pard Hardware Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ta-Sen Lin
  • Patent number: 11031755
    Abstract: A shotgun stick for use with grounding devices is provided. An example shotgun stick includes a housing and a drive shaft supported within the housing. The shotgun stick further includes a torque connector coupled with a first end of the drive shaft that receives a grounding clamp assembly. The shotgun stick includes a motor assembly operably connected to a second end of the drive shaft. In an automatic mode, the motor assembly drives the drive shaft so as to actuate the grounding clamp assembly received by the torque connector. The shotgun stick also includes a manual locking mechanism. In a manual mode, the manual locking assembly locks the drive shaft to at least a portion of the housing so as to preclude rotation of the drive shaft and allow manual actuation of the grounding clamp assembly received by the torque connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Rizwan Ahmad, Ataur Rahman, Justin Matthew Wilson, Alfred Flojo, Linda Ziegler-Robinson
  • Patent number: 9555526
    Abstract: A tool including selectively operable torque-limiting mechanism is provided. The tool includes a housing, a torque-limiting mechanism disposed within the housing and including a first gear engaged with the housing and including a number of first recesses, a second gear rotatably disposed within the housing adjacent the first gear and including a number of second recesses, a number of bearings disposed between the first gear and the second gear partially within the first recesses and partially within the second recesses, and a variable force-applying assembly engaged with the first gear opposite the second gear, a drive body engaged with the second gear and extending outwardly from the housing, and a cover disposed around the housing and selectively engaged with the drive body to control the operation of the torque-limiting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Robert F. Miller
  • Patent number: 9221158
    Abstract: A power screwdriver overload prevention means (100), which is arranged between an input drive part (110) and an output drive part (102, 121) and which interrupts the transmission of torque between the input drive part (110) and the output drive part (102, 121) when a threshold torque is exceeded, is characterized in that the input drive part (110) has at least one ring of balls (130) that is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the input drive part, in that the output drive part (102, 121) has at least one ring of balls (140; 141, 142) that is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the output drive part (102, 121), and in that the ring of balls (130) that is arranged in the input drive part (110) is spring-preloaded via the ring of balls (140; 141, 142) arranged in the output drive part (102, 121) such that the balls (130) of the input drive part (110) are located in each case between two balls (140; 141, 142) of the output drive part (102, 121) and thus transmit a torque, and such that, when the th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: LOESOMAT-Schraubtechnik Neef GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Wilczek
  • Patent number: 9175745
    Abstract: In a handheld power tool having a planetary gear, drivable by a motor, for driving a drive shaft in a first or second predefined direction of rotation, the planetary gear being situated in a gear housing and having at least one planetary stage to which an annulus gear situated in the gear housing is assigned, in the area between the annulus gear and the gear housing, at least one sensor element is situated which is designed to enable a detection of a torque which acts in the first or the second direction of rotation and is transferable to the annulus gear via the drive shaft during the operation of the handheld power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Dietmar Saur
  • Patent number: 9016175
    Abstract: A torque-exerting device includes a clutch arranged between a handle and an axle. The handle includes a chamber defined therein by a wall. The clutch includes a movable element, a rotatable element, recesses and balls. The movable element is placed in the chamber in an axially movable manner. The rotatable element is placed in the chamber in a rotatable manner and secured to the axle. The rotatable element is in releasable engagement with the movable element. The recesses are defined in the movable element or the wall of the chamber of the handle. Each of the balls is partially placed in a respective one of the recesses and in contact with the wall of the chamber of the handle or the movable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Matatakitoyo Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jih Chun Wu
  • Patent number: 8714056
    Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism used for securing fasteners is described. The torque limiting mechanism consists of a shaft, a torque gear having a plurality of ball bearings, a threshold bearing and a variable force applying subassembly. The torque limiting mechanism further consisting of a lock bushing and retaining ring placed circumferentially around the proximal end of the shaft. The lock bushing and retaining ring reduce structural misalignments and increase the accuracy of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventor: Steve Landowski
  • Publication number: 20140060270
    Abstract: A torque-exerting device includes a clutch arranged between a handle and an axle. The handle includes a chamber defined therein by a wall. The clutch includes a movable element, a rotatable element, recesses and balls. The movable element is placed in the chamber in an axially movable manner. The rotatable element is placed in the chamber in a rotatable manner and secured to the axle. The rotatable element is in releasable engagement with the movable element. The recesses are defined in the movable element or the wall of the chamber of the handle. Each of the balls is partially placed in a respective one of the recesses and in contact with the wall of the chamber of the handle or the movable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Jih Chun WU
  • Publication number: 20140033882
    Abstract: A power screwdriver overload prevention means (100), which is arranged between an input drive part (110) and an output drive part (102, 121) and which interrupts the transmission of torque between the input drive part (110) and the output drive part (102, 121) when a threshold torque is exceeded, is characterized in that the input drive part (110) has at least one ring of balls (130) that is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the input drive part, in that the output drive part (102, 121) has at least one ring of balls (140; 141, 142) that is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the output drive part (102, 121), and in that the ring of balls (130) that is arranged in the input drive part (110) is spring-preloaded via the ring of balls (140; 141, 142) arranged in the output drive part (102, 121) such that the balls (130) of the input drive part (110) are located in each case between two balls (140; 141, 142) of the output drive part (102, 121) and thus transmit a torque, and such that, when the th
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: LOESOMAT-SCHRAUBTECHNIK NEEF GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus Wilczek
  • Patent number: 8641536
    Abstract: A tool holder for use with a power tool includes an input shaft with a rear portion couplable to a power tool, and an output shaft with a front portion couplable to a tool bit. A clutch assembly releasably non-rotationally couples a front portion of the input shaft to a rear portion of the output shaft, and includes a recess in the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, an aperture in the other of the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, a roller received in the aperture, and a spring that biases the roller radially inwardly toward the recess. The spring enables release of the roller radially outwardly from the recess when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded, such that torque is not transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Alland Santamarina, Vincent Wensheng Zou, Michael Peters
  • Publication number: 20130340579
    Abstract: A tool holder for use with a power tool includes an input shaft with a rear portion couplable to a power tool, and an output shaft with a front portion couplable to a tool bit. A clutch assembly releasably non-rotationally couples a front portion of the input shaft to a rear portion of the output shaft, and includes a recess in the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, an aperture in the other of the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, a roller received in the aperture, and a spring that biases the roller radially inwardly toward the recess. The spring enables release of the roller radially outwardly from the recess when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded, such that torque is not transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Aland Santamarina, Vincent Wensheng Zou, Michael Peters
  • Patent number: 8540580
    Abstract: A tool holder for use with a power tool includes an input shaft with a rear portion couplable to a power tool, and an output shaft with a front portion couplable to a tool bit. A clutch assembly releasably non-rotationally couples a front portion of the input shaft to a rear portion of the output shaft, and includes a recess in the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, an aperture in the other of the front portion of the input shaft or the rear portion of the output shaft, a roller received in the aperture, and a spring that biases the roller radially inwardly toward the recess. The spring enables release of the roller radially outwardly from the recess when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded, such that torque is not transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Aland Santamarina, Wensheng Zou, Michael Peters
  • Patent number: 8371193
    Abstract: An adjustable torque limiting device includes a shank unit composed of first and second shanks coaxially and rotatably connected to each other, a carrier unit mounted between the shanks and having axially facing bearing regions and radially facing detent regions which cooperatively define cavities for receiving detent bodies, respectively, so as to transmit a straining force emanating from the detent regions to the detent bodies, a force transmitting member movably mounted on the shank unit and frictionally engaged with the detent bodies, an adjusting assembly turnable to axially move the force-counteracting member, and a compressible biasing member disposed between the force-counteracting member and the adjusting assembly to exert a preloaded force against the straining force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Patent number: 8359955
    Abstract: A torque socket has an outer cylinder having markings on an outer surface thereof. A receptacle including a male ratchet member at one distal end, and a plurality of cavities and a central channel at an opposite end. A plurality of balls each adapted to fit within a respective cavity of the receptacle. A spring seat including a release pad, a central pin extending axially therefrom from one end and adapted to fit within the central channel of the receptacle, thereby holding the balls within the cavities, and a disk at an opposite end. A coiled spring received upon the spring seat. A cylinder head having a female ratchet portion, and is adapted to compress the coiled spring and releasably and adjustably attach to an inside surface of the outer cylinder, thereby holding the receptacle, the balls, and the spring seat together and between the outer cylinder and the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Francois Deneault
  • Patent number: 8347763
    Abstract: A wrench with a quick rotatable driving head includes a handle, a driving head and a quick-disengaging unit. The quick-disengaging unit is composed of a fixing member secured with the driving head, an operating member inserted through the handle and fitted around the fixing member, and a restraining element transversely provided between the fixing member and the operating member and the handle. The handle and the driving head can be separated by the quick-disengaging unit so that the driving head, with the quick-disengaging unit acting as a pivot, can quickly screw or unscrew a thread locking member, and the operating member can be restrictedly positioned on the fixing member by the restraining element, able to prevent the handle and the driving head from separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Chin-Hui Chu
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8161849
    Abstract: An adjustable torque limiter that can be coupled between a high speed driver and the socket that rotates a mechanical fastener. When a preset torque level is reached, the torque limiter disengages the rotational drive force from the bit. The adjustability of the torque limitation is accomplished by varying the amount of spring force by which a thrust plate (coupled to the high speed driver) is forced against a set of steel balls residing in slots of a radial torque plate and in a set of paths formed in a concavity of an upper torque body (coupled to the driven socket engaging stud). When a certain preset torque is transmitted from the driver to the socket, the steel balls traverse outward along the separate arced ramp radial paths therein the upper torque body until the balls enter an annular race that allows the thrust plate to go into a disengaged or free wheel mode from the upper torque body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Curt Walter Stark
  • Publication number: 20120055296
    Abstract: A torque limiting mechanism used for securing fasteners is described. The torque limiting mechanism consists of a shaft, a torque gear having a plurality of ball bearings, a threshold bearing and a variable force applying subassembly. The torque limiting mechanism further consisting of a lock bushing and retaining ring placed circumferentially around the proximal end of the shaft. The lock bushing and retaining ring reduce structural misalignments and increase the accuracy of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventor: Steve Landowski
  • Patent number: 8113095
    Abstract: A device for delivering a predetermined amount of torque to a tool. The device has a handle and a cam assembly located within the handle. The cam assembly has a cam member integrally formed with a drive shaft. An adjustment ring is capable of rotating the cam assembly to different positions related to different levels of torque. A plunger will be biased against an exterior surface of the cam member to provide the different levels of torque delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20110252929
    Abstract: A torque control wrench for both a left-hand thread and a right-hand thread is disclosed. The torque control wrench includes a wrench unit having a transmission unit, a movable shaft engaged with the transmission unit, for rotating the transmission unit with external force, and a socket for receiving rotational force at a rotation speed changed by the transmission unit and tightening or loosening a bolt with the received rotational force, a handle for generating the rotational force with which the socket tightens or loosens the bolt, and a torque controller between the wrench unit and the handle, for controlling a torque applied from the handle to the socket, including a clutch for rotating along with rotation of the handle and thus rotating the movable shaft and, if a torque equal to or greater than a preset torque value is applied, rotating idly, and a clutch torque controller for controlling the torque applied from the handle to the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SEWON PM TECH CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yong Su HA
  • Publication number: 20110232431
    Abstract: A torque socket has an outer cylinder having markings on an outer surface thereof. A receptacle including a male ratchet member at one distal end, and a plurality of cavities and a central channel at an opposite end. A plurality of balls each adapted to fit within a respective cavity of the receptacle. A spring seat including a release pad, a central pin extending axially therefrom from one end and adapted to fit within the central channel of the receptacle, thereby holding the balls within the cavities, and a disk at an opposite end. A coiled spring received upon the spring seat. A cylinder head having a female ratchet portion, and is adapted to compress the coiled spring and releasably and adjustably attach to an inside surface of the outer cylinder, thereby holding the receptacle, the balls, and the spring seat together and between the outer cylinder and the cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Francois Deneault
  • Publication number: 20110061500
    Abstract: An adjustable torque limiting device includes a shank unit composed of first and second shanks coaxially and rotatably connected to each other, a carrier unit mounted between the shanks and having axially facing bearing regions and radially facing detent regions which cooperatively define cavities for receiving detent bodies, respectively, so as to transmit a straining force emanating from the detent regions to the detent bodies, a force transmitting member movably mounted on the shank unit and frictionally engaged with the detent bodies, an adjusting assembly turnable to axially move the force-counteracting member, and a compressible biasing member disposed between the force-counteracting member and the adjusting assembly to exert a preloaded force against the straining force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Publication number: 20100218649
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool (21) for an insulation material plug that can be anchored with a fastening means in the substrate has a first drive shaft (22) and a second drive shaft (32) that is arranged coaxially to the first drive shaft (22). The first drive shaft (22) has a shank (23) extending along a longitudinal axis (31), that has a first rotary carrier means (24) for the fastening means at a first end (25) and that has a second rotary carrier means (26) for a fastener driving tool device at a second end (27). The second drive shaft (32) has a hollow shank (33) with a third carrier means (34) for the insulation material plug at a first end (35). Moreover, a coupler (38) is provided that can be disengaged by means of axial pressure and that is arranged in an area at a distance from the first end (35) of the second drive shaft (32). The coupler (38) has locking elements (57) that engage into recesses (43) in order to transfer a torque from the first drive shaft (22) to the second drive shaft (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Frommelt, Michael Sproewitz
  • Publication number: 20100204703
    Abstract: A device for delivering a predetermined amount of torque to a tool. The device has a handle and a cam assembly located within the handle. The cam assembly has a cam member integrally formed with a drive shaft. An adjustment ring is capable of rotating the cam assembly to different positions related to different levels of torque. A plunger will be biased against an exterior surface of the cam member to provide the different levels of torque delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20100107829
    Abstract: A torque limiting driver for applying up to a maximum torque to an associated driven member. In one embodiment, the driver includes first and second rotatable members with proximal and distal ends. A torque limiting assembly may be operatively coupling the distal end of the first rotatable member with the proximal end of the second rotatable member. The torque limiting assembly may include a plurality of torque limiting devices that are arranged to sequentially uncouple the second rotatable member from a torque load applied to the first rotatable member when the torque load exceeds the preselected maximum torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: NEMCOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Zimmerman, Mark Bryant, Diane Sung, Greg Stalcup, Ryan Schlotterback
  • Patent number: 7665392
    Abstract: Tightening tools is provided with a pair of clutch members disposed between a motor and a tool bit. The pair of clutch members is provided with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a first predetermined value. The second engaging portion does not engage the pair of clutch members while the first engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members and the second engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members after the first engaging portion disengages the pair of clutch members. The second engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value may be different from the first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Tokunaga, Tomohiro Hachisuka
  • Publication number: 20100024611
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael M. Starick, Phillip L. Klingler
  • Publication number: 20090277313
    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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Robert W. Wise
  • Publication number: 20090255386
    Abstract: A torque socket essentially comprises an inner socket, and an outer socket. Besides a function of torque value setting and adjustment, the torque socket utilizes a ratchet structure design to produce a sound to warn the user, when the torque applied by the torque socket has reached a predetermined value, allowing the user to know the torque applied to the fastener by the torque wrench has reached the predetermined value easily. Further, the torque socket is simple in structure, thus reducing the production and assembly cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Jyun-Wun LIAO
  • Patent number: 7581471
    Abstract: A torque adaptor includes a body, a driving portion that rotates with respect to the body when a threshold torque is exceeded, a receiving portion engageable with a workpiece, and a gear plate that drives the receiving portion. The gear plate is driven by the driving portion, the driving engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate being released when a torque required to drive the gear plate exceeds the threshold torque. An adjusting member adjusts the force of engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate so as to adjust the threshold torque. The receiving portion is moveable along a longitudinal direction of the body between a first position in which the receiving portion engages the body such that a rotation of the driving portion rotates the receiving portion and the rotatable workpiece and a second position in which the receiving portion is disengaged from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Light Chiu, Kevin Tsai
  • Patent number: 7503443
    Abstract: A torque limiting device that includes a body, an output race including a distal portion extending from the body for supporting a tool that is to be controlled from the body and a proximal portion formed as a radial flange and a plurality of ball bearings disposed in a plurality of accommodating holes arranged about the flange. A first thrust member is disposed at the distal portion side of the flange and an actuator plate is providing having a peripheral ratchet surface and a plurality of holes arranged in line with certain holes in the flange. A pawl is supported by the body for engagement with the ratchet surface. A second thrust member imposes a force on the actuator plate toward the output race. The balls supported by the output race transfer axial force therethrough between the actuator plate and the first thrust member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Seekonk Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick P. Dobras
  • Patent number: 7484442
    Abstract: A torque adjustable screwdriver having a torque indicator comprises a holding portion including a handle, a spring and a stopper which are received in the handle. An operation unit has a ratchet unit, a rotary rod, an exposed post, and a screwdriver head. The rotary rod is installed within the handle and passes through the spring and the stopper. The ratchet unit has an approximate cylinder shape and one end surface of the ratchet unit is formed as a sawteeth surface. In assembly, the rotary rod is engaged to the teeth of the enlarged end of the rotary rod. A setting unit includes a driving rod, a rotary unit, a resisting unit, and an adjusting cover. The rotary unit is a hollow cylinder with outer threads at one end. An inner side of the rotary unit has the outer threads being formed with teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Chang-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 7475619
    Abstract: A socket includes a body having a driving portion, a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction, a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion. The driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion is released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. A biasing member applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion, and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member adjusts a magnitude of the force of engagement to adjust the threshold amount of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Light Chiu, Kevin Tsai
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7370561
    Abstract: A power screwdriver (10) includes a bit holder (14) bored to receive the shaft of a screwdriver bit (12) and adapted to securely hold the screwdriver bit (12) in place, and a housing (18) having a through cavity (16). The bit holder (14) is inserted into the through cavity (16) so that the bit holder (14) is rotatable about and movable along the axis of the bit holder. This arrangement securely holds the screwdriver bit and thus, minimize rattling of the screwdriver bit during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Takayuki Okamoto, Tameyoshi Oshima, Yasuo Kazama
  • Publication number: 20080087146
    Abstract: A torque-limiting and ratcheting driver. The drive comprises a handle having an enclosed end and an open end, which houses a drive assembly. The drive assembly comprises a drive shaft, a drive clutch member and a camming clutch member supported by the drive shaft. The camrning clutch member is coupled to the drive shaft, and the first drive clutch member and second camming clutch member are biased towards one another. The drive assembly has a locking screw supported by the drive shaft, with the locking means located at the enclosed end of thc handle. The drive assembly is secured with the housing. The driver also comprises a ratcheting assembly connected to the handle, independently assembled of the drive assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7272998
    Abstract: A torque-limiting mechanism is provided for use in a variety of torque-applying tools. The mechanism includes a handle defining a housing in which are disposed a slip gear and a fixed gear. The fixed gear is attached to the housing while the slip gear is attached to drive body extending outwardly from the housing and engageable with an item to be turned utilizing the tool. The slip gear and the fixed gear are connected by ball bearings disposed within recesses located on each gear that are pressed into the recesses by a force exerted on the gears by a number of spring members disposed between an enclosed end of the housing and the fixed gear. The amount of force exerted by the springs on the gears can be varied as necessary, thereby allowing the amount of torque required to enable the slip gear to move with respect to the fixed gear to be set where desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Michael T. Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20070180959
    Abstract: Tightening tools is provided with a pair of clutch members disposed between a motor and a tool bit. The pair of clutch members is provided with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a first predetermined value. The second engaging portion does not engage the pair of clutch members while the first engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members and the second engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members after the first engaging portion disengages the pair of clutch members. The second engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value may be different from the first predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu Tokunaga, Tomohiro Hachisuka
  • 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: 7188557
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique that can alleviate noise when the clutch comes into engagement. Representative tightening tool according to the invention comprises a motor, a driven shaft driven by the motor, a tool bit driven by the driven shaft and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a driving-side clutch element, a driven-side clutch element and an engagement speedup mechanism. The engagement speedup mechanism causes the driven-side clutch element to move at higher speed than the driven shaft when the driven-side clutch element moves toward the driving-side clutch element together with the driven shaft so as to engage with the driving-side clutch element. According to the invention, because driven-side clutch element can swiftly move toward the driving-side clutch element by the engagement speedup mechanism, noise when the clutch comes into engagement can be alleviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiko Yamada
  • Patent number: 7000508
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque wrench comprising a signal generator including a spring biased against a trigger member, a sensor, and a disc biased between the spring and the sensor, a setting assembly including a cylindrical member for receiving the disc and the sensor, a cap, a knob through the cap to threadably couple to the cylindrical member, and a sliding pin inserted through a groove on a handle into the cylindrical member for coupling, and a numeric display mounted around the handle. A maximum torque of the wrench can be preset by rotating the knob and shown on the display. Also, an amount of torque being exerted by wrench can be shown on the display. The wrench may trip when the amount of torque has reached the preset maximum torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ming-Hua Li, Li-Hsia Lin, Mei-Chin Chou
  • Patent number: 6948410
    Abstract: A torque wrench is provided having body and a handle that is rotatably mounted to the body for adjusting the torque setting, and an axially movable sleeve operable to selectively lock the handle. The sleeve includes a rigid member and an elastomeric member, such as an O-ring, and the sleeve is configured to act against a locking ball held in a bore of the handle. The sleeve is selectively movable between two positions: (a) a locked position wherein the rigid member firmly retains the locking ball seated in one of several detents in the body, thereby preventing rotation of the handle; and (b) an unlocked position wherein the elastomeric member biases the locking ball inwardly, deflecting when the locking ball unseats from the detent to permit handle rotation. When the sleeve is in the unlocked position, the locking ball can incrementally “click” over the detents during handle rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Precision Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John Andrew Larson
  • Patent number: 6640674
    Abstract: A screwdriver of the type having a variable torque-limiting in-line drive with a handle having a cavity and a drive bit disposed in the cavity. Over-ride drive members are disposed in the cavity and a spring exerts a force on the drive members for transmitting only a maximum force to a bit in the screwdriver. Two adjustable controls are at a back end of the tool and they are used to apply a varying force to the spring and thus limit the amount of maximum torque to be transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pilling Weck Incorporated
    Inventors: James A. Rinner, Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 6257351
    Abstract: A surgical instrument having a locking mechanism for preventing an output shaft of the surgical instrument from rotating and a further locking mechanism for mounting a battery pack to a distal end of a housing of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument further includes a clutch mechanism for limiting the torque of a drive shaft of the surgical instrument. The locking mechanism for preventing the output shaft from rotating includes a locking switch which mates with a locking cap disposed on the output shaft. The locking mechanism for mounting the battery pack to the housing includes a groove at the distal end of the housing and a retaining ring which engages the groove when the battery pack is mounted on the housing. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch plate that interfaces with both the output shaft and the drive shaft and prevents failure of the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: MicroAire Surgical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Timmon Ark, Robert R. Humphris, Jr., Daniel McCombs
  • Patent number: 6257107
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite material hand tool. Its long and short fiber layers filling is covered with a metal interface ring at one side. The handle can be encircled into a cone shape. A center layer can be a short fiber honeycomb layer. The outer layer is coated with a long fiber. It is a torque wrench made from composite material. Its characteristic includes base composite material, interface ring, internal wall of tooth surface, and exterior of projected rib. Bearing resistance is at the adjacent through hole of the interior wall of tooth surface and the reciprocal commutating tooth surface. The exterior of the projected rib is at the side contacting with the base composite material of the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Rang-Rong Chang, Chingsung Su
  • Patent number: 6155147
    Abstract: An improved torque limiting screwdriver including a shaft extending from a first end of the screwdriver body, the shaft including a first plurality of indicia thereon, and an adjustment cap arranged to be located at a second end of the screwdriver body. The adjustment cap rotatable to selectively engage a selected detent located on the bottom of the adjustment cap. A lock pin arranged to engage one of the detents to retain the adjustment cap in its select position, maintaining an accurate specific torque value for the torque limiting screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Ryeson Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen E. Dzieman