Machine Patents (Class 81/54)
  • Patent number: 11708728
    Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: Dale Francis
  • Patent number: 11571788
    Abstract: A driver device may comprise a housing and a hole located on the housing. The hole may comprise a sealing lip. The driver device may comprise a bit holder located within the housing, and a bit socket located on the bit holder. The bit socket may be aligned with the hole, such that inserting a bit into the bit socket also inserts the bit into the hole. The driver device may comprise a spring located within the bit socket. The spring may cause an inserted bit to partially exit the hole in the absence of an external force pushing the it against the spring. The driver device may comprise a vacuum component connected to the housing, and a vacuum chamber within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Benosa Monjardin, Tao Song, XiYuan Yin, Jia Yu Zheng, Yunfei Wang
  • Patent number: 11383334
    Abstract: Provided is a tightening device capable of capturing a change in a contact state of a member to be tightened, such as a bolt or the like, and also performing fastening. The tightening device tightens a bolt to a work piece in a state where a main body is engaged with the bolt, and includes: a magnet that holds the bolt with respect to the main body; and at least one lower cam member that enables fixation in a fixed state where a binding force on the bolt is larger than a holding force of holding the bolt by the magnet. The at least one lower cam member is capable of maintaining the fixed state before a tightening work of tightening the bolt to the work piece is performed and releasing the fixed state after the tightening work is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Arimitsu, Tomohisa Katayama, Hironari Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11337793
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes a suture bridge having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end of the suture bridge has a thickness greater than a thickness of the proximal end of the suture bridge. At least two ribs extend from the proximal end of the suture bridge to a proximal end of the anchor. At least one open helical coil wraps around the at least two ribs and extends, substantially, from the proximal end of the suture bridge to the proximal end of the anchor. The at least one open helical coil defines an internal volume communicating with a region exterior to the anchor through apertures between turns of the at least one open helical coil. The at least two ribs are engagable with a grooved shaft of a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Arai, Mark Edwin Housman, Matthew Edwin Koski
  • Patent number: 11331775
    Abstract: An improved electric screwdriver switch, wherein the switch is installed in a push-down type electric screwdriver, the lower end of the electric screwdriver is provided with a screwdriver head, and its inside is provided with a thimble; the switch includes a structure base with an inner slot and a micro-switch with a touch rod; the inner slot is provided with a L-rod and a spring, and the micro-switch is electrically connected to the motor of the electric screwdriver; when the electric screwdriver presses down the screwdriver head, the inner thimble is linked, and the upper end of the thimble touches the lower end of the L-rod; the touch distance of the upper end of the L-rod and the touch rod on the micro-switch can determine that the motor drives the start/stop of the screwdriver head; the improved structure base is designed as a whole, it features the strong structure and high precision, it is not easy to loose after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Hsieh Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 11179818
    Abstract: A projection portion is formed on a distal end surface of a supply rod with which a surface of a flange is to be brought into close contact. A circular-arc receiving surface fitting an outer peripheral portion is formed at a boundary portion between the distal end surface and the projection portion. One side of the circular-arc receiving surface is continuous with the distal end surface, and another side of the circular-arc receiving surface is continuous with a regulation inner surface formed on the projection portion in a state of being opposed to the distal end surface. With this, a receiving groove is formed, and a control gap is defined between the regulation inner surface and the flange. The close contact of the surface with the distal end surface is achieved with a magnet of an advancing/retreating type provided in the supply rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Shoji Aoyama
  • Patent number: 11034003
    Abstract: A holding tool for use in holding a first portion of an item, such as a hydraulic coupling, in a static position, while a torque application tool applies torque and rotates a second portion of the item. The holding tool helps reduce twisting of the first portion relative to the second portion when torque is applied. The holding tool also communicates with a controller when the tool is in use. For example, the tool communicates with the controller in response to a user applying a force to the tool in a direction of the first portion the tool is engaged with. That force releases pressure on a switch that activates a communication signal for communication to the controller. This allows the controller to monitor whether the holding tool was used in conjunction with a torque wrench to tighten the coupling; thereby providing an error reducing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: John Reynertson, Jr., Donald J. Reynertson, Paul E. Davis
  • Patent number: 10935104
    Abstract: A load binder includes: a body; a slotted spool rotatably attached to the body and about which a strap can be coiled; a ratchet mechanism coupled to the body and spool and including a shaft and a button, the shaft being adapted, by virtue of a hexagon head, to be turned, the ratchet mechanism, being adapted, when the shaft is turned, to rotate the spool, and being further adapted, when the button is depressed, to release the spool for free rotation; and a wrench, releasably secured to the body, and adapted, when released from the body, to engage the hexagon head of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Laura D'Antonio
  • Patent number: 9937606
    Abstract: A power screwdriver and/or drill has a drive unit and an operating unit that has a first operating surface which is oriented substantially perpendicularly to an actuating direction of the first operating surface. The drive unit is at least activatable by the actuation of said first operating surface. The operating unit also has at least one second operating surface which is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the actuating direction of the first operating surface and is arranged at a distance from the first operating surface in the actuating direction, the drive unit is at least activatable by the actuation of said second operating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Hampel, Juergen Gairing
  • Publication number: 20150135907
    Abstract: A power tool of one aspect for tightening a screw to a tightening-target-object is provided with a motor as a drive force. A motor controlling device controls the motor so as to make rotational frequency of the motor in accordance with an input operation received by an input-operation receiving unit. A first setting unit sets a maximum rotational frequency to a given first maximum rotational frequency when the motor is initiated. If the power tool clears a given condition for increasing rotational frequency after the motor is initiated, a second setting unit sets the maximum rotational frequency to a given second maximum rotational frequency that is larger than the first maximum rotational frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Tokuo Hirabayashi, Ryunosuke Kumagai, Takeshi Nishimiya, Goshi Ishikawa, Takuya Kusakawa
  • Patent number: 8999542
    Abstract: A battery housing portion S includes regulating members 30 adapted to fit grooves of a battery pack having a T-shape cross section, so that the battery pack can be housed in the battery housing portion S in the state that the both regulating members 30 fit the grooves. The regulating members 30 regulate housing orientation of the battery pack 20, so that misjudgment about orientation of the battery pack 20 is prevented. In addition, if the orientation has been misjudged, an operator can notice such misjudgment immediately, thereby improving the operability during mounting the battery pack 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Kondo
  • Patent number: 8984992
    Abstract: A socket is provided for removing or installing a fastener having a hexagonally shaped portion. The socket includes a body having a longitudinal axis and opposing first and second ends. First surfaces define a tool-receiving portion at the first end. The tool-receiving portion is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a tool. Second surfaces define a socket portion at the second end. The socket portion is constructed and arranged to receive and engage the portion of the fastener therein. Holding structure is associated with the socket portion and is constructed and arranged to non-magnetically hold the portion of the fastener in the socket portion so as to not fall out of the socket portion, either due to friction or vacuum, without providing torque to the fastener when the socket is rotated during installation or removal of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeremy Newkirk, William John Eakins, Thomas Fuhlbrigge, Harald Josef Staab
  • Patent number: 8973468
    Abstract: A tool for mounting or removing a container of energy that powers an engine or motor that propels a motor vehicle, fixed to the motor vehicle using a lock on which there acts a piston that loads the lock. The tool includes at least one tool attachment device, a device for releasing the load on the lock by acting on the piston, and a device for locking and/or unlocking the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Bruno Escande, Francois Combe
  • Publication number: 20140366689
    Abstract: A link attachment 100 for use with a device 300 for effecting an intermittent turning force 360 which oscillates in a forward and a backward direction 361 and 371 for tightening or loosening a fastener including: —a link housing 115; a link drive input 131 operatively connectable with device 300; a link drive lever 102 operatively connected with link drive input 131; a link drive plate 101 operatively connected to link drive lever 102 at a pivot point 125 by a link drive pin 105; a link ratcheting mechanism 103 operatively connected to link drive lever 102 by a drive pawl 104; a link attachment drive output 130 operatively connected with link ratcheting mechanism 103 and operatively connectable with the fastener; and link attachment 100 being operatively connectable to device 300 to provide intermittent turning force 360 to turn the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Calvin A Bonas, Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Patent number: 8893586
    Abstract: A fastener extraction device includes a body configured for attachment to a power driver tool, and allows a rotating chuck provided thereby to extend therethrough. The extraction device includes a plurality of spring-biased grasping arms that are pivotably attached to the body and are moved between opened and closed positions by an automated actuation collar that is in operative engagement with the grasping arms. The automated actuation collar includes collar magnets that are in operative communication with electromagnets that are controlled by a push button provided by the driver tool. Thus, the automated actuation collar allows the grasping arms to be selectively opened and closed in a convenient manner, allowing fasteners to be extracted without the operator having to change or release his or her grip of the driver tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Walter Heinrich Nagel, III
  • Publication number: 20140262405
    Abstract: A vacuum system for removing rubbish generated during fastening operations is provided. The vacuum system includes a fastening tool for driving the fastener, a suction nozzle attached to the fastening tool and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The vacuum system also includes a sensor to detect the position of the fastening tool and a vacuum valve actuator to selectively open or close a vacuum valve to provide vacuum to the suction nozzle according to the position of the fastening tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Jones
  • Publication number: 20140260815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulically operated tightening tool comprising a body (1) in which there is assembled a hydraulic cylinder and an actuating ring (6) articulated to the body (1) which receives the action of the piston (3) of the hydraulic cylinder. Two axial tabs protrude from the head of the piston (3) between which tabs there is articulated the actuating ring (6) by means of a shaft with an elastically variable length protruding partially on both sides of the ring. The tabs (7) have transverse facing grooves (16) in which there are housed the ends of the mentioned shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: ASSOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION METALURGICA DEL NOROESTE - AIMEN, TEXAS CONTROLS, S.L.
    Inventors: Marcos Fontan Guzman, Christian Leal Touceda, Pablo Bello Rodriguez, German Jose Rodriguez Novo, Diego Esteban Tapia
  • Publication number: 20140238203
    Abstract: A hydraulic torque wrench system has a power head and interchangeable link cartridge drives, insertable into the power head. A power head to cartridge drive connection system secures the cartridge drives into the power head forming a single unit having a torque line extending through the center line of the power head, in order to eliminate adverse reactive forces. A hydraulic hose coupler allows 360° by 360° coupler rotation. The link cartridge drives include a reaction pawl which controls the movement of the ratchet within the cartridge drive, a clam shell drive plate for an internal ratchet tooth cassette, a locking system to maintain a ratchet square drive in opposed lateral positions, and a reaction arm adjustment system for locking the reaction arm in a plurality of configurations in relation to the cartridge drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Spirer
  • Publication number: 20140230608
    Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a fluid to a device for tightening or loosening fasteners including a first fluid-transmitting element (130) having a first axis connectable with a housing of the device; a second fluid-transmitting element (140) rotatably connectable with the first element (130) about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis; a third fluid-transmitting element (150) rotatably connectable with the second element (140) about a third axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis and connectable with a fuid-transmitting line; and first and second fluid conduits that transfer fluid to and from the device and the fluid-transmitting line through the first, second and third elements. The first element is rotatable 360° about the first axis; the second element is rotatable 360° about the second axis; and the third element is rotatable less than 360° about the third axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: John K. Junkers, Calvin A. Bonas
  • Patent number: 8793855
    Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Hain, Alexander Schug, Karl Briel, Markus Feierabend, Michael Schneider, Frank Rosemann, Wolfgang Werner, Harald Knetsch
  • Publication number: 20140190313
    Abstract: A motorized casket/coffin crank raises and lowers a casket/coffin bed effortlessly and with minimal sound emission. The casket/coffin crank can be used similar to a drill to be inserted into the bed device's hole and, with its long shaft, turning the key, which is typically hidden underneath the fabric lining in both the head and foot ends of the casket/coffin, allow the raising and lowering of the casket bed at an accelerated rate without requiring the effort typically required with manual cranks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin Patrick Kearney
  • Patent number: 8746111
    Abstract: A wrench assembly is mounted on a drill rig so as to have some freedom of movement in three axes. The wrench assembly includes a wrench subassembly having an upper wrench and a lower wrench. Both the upper wrench and the lower wrench are provided with jaw assemblies that are adapted to grip a pipe section or to release it. One of the upper wrench and lower wrench is pivotally moveable with respect to the other to apply a twisting force to a pipe section gripped by one of the upper and lower wrenches with respect to an adjacent pipe section gripped by the other of the upper and lower wrenches. The wrench assembly also includes a generally planar support table. The wrench subassembly is attached to the support table in such a manner as to allow the wrench subassembly to pivot about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the support table, and in such a manner as to allow the wrench subassembly to tilt with respect to the plane of the support table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Eglin, Neil M. Baker
  • Publication number: 20140150610
    Abstract: A two-piece planet carrier for use in a power hand tool, the carrier comprising a drive portion mountable to a rotor of the tool and a pinned portion having a crank pin. The crank pin operatively connectable to a drive shaft of the tool to provide rotation and torque to the drive shaft. The pinned portion rotatably engaged with the drive portion such that rotation of the rotor will cause the drive portion and the pinned portion to rotate relative to each other as a function of a load applied to the drive shaft such that an offset between a crank pin center axis and a drive portion axis of rotation is variable as a function of the load, wherein the variance of the offset will vary a rotational speed and an amount of torque delivered to the drive shaft as a function of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventor: Mark McMenemy
  • Publication number: 20140116203
    Abstract: A socket is provided for removing or installing a fastener having a hexagonally shaped portion. The socket includes a body having a longitudinal axis and opposing first and second ends. First surfaces define a tool-receiving portion at the first end. The tool-receiving portion is constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a tool. Second surfaces define a socket portion at the second end. The socket portion is constructed and arranged to receive and engage the portion of the fastener therein. Holding structure is associated with the socket portion and is constructed and arranged to non-magnetically hold the portion of the fastener in the socket portion so as to not fall out of the socket portion, either due to friction or vacuum, without providing torque to the fastener when the socket is rotated during installation or removal of the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Jeremy Newkirk, William John Eakins, Thomas Fuhlbrigge, Harald Josef Staab
  • Patent number: 8677862
    Abstract: A hand-held powered wrench includes a primary handle and a secondary handle. A motor is mounted on a primary handle. The secondary handle provides a second hand grip position which is significantly displaced from the primary handle axis, and includes a motor control for starting and stopping the motor. By having the significant displacement of the motor controlling second hand grip position, the operator naturally chooses a better stance and naturally dissociates the motor control hand from the torque sustaining hand in operation of the power wrench. The hand-held powered wrench can be used such as for safely exercising fire hydrant valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Torqbuddy LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Backlund
  • Patent number: 8671803
    Abstract: When bolts are fastened to tack a door to a car body by means of a conventional impact wrench, the shavings stick to the surface of the door or car body, thereby to cause the poor coating quality such as a seeding when the inter-coating or finish-coating is performed in the coating procedure. An impact wrench provided is a fastening tool for fastening a bolt gripped by a socket, in a nut. The impact wrench includes a suction cover for covering the surroundings of the socket, and a suction port capable of sucking the atmosphere in the portion covered with the suction cover, and is constituted such that the atmosphere in the suction cover is sucked through the suction port to recover the shavings left at the time of fastening the bolt. This constitution makes it possible to prevent the shavings from being scattered to the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshinari Katsunuma, Mikio Hanai, Yoshitada Arakawa, Harutsugu Yoshida, Jiro Tsukamoto, Nobuyuki Morimoto, Noritsugu Okada
  • Publication number: 20140060254
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a powered tool configured to fasten a fastener to an assembly. The powered tool includes a fastener-driving assembly configured to selectively operatively engage the fastener. The fastener-driving assembly is also configured to selectively transmit a fastening force to the fastener. The powered tool also includes a fastener-engagement assembly configured to permit operative engageable access between the fastener-driving assembly and the fastener. For a case where the fastener-engagement assembly permits operative engageable access between the fastener-driving assembly and the fastener, the fastener-driving assembly may operatively engage the fastener, and the fastener-driving assembly may transmit the fastening force to the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Benjamin MacArthur
  • Publication number: 20140020514
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are powered torque tools that may be used in assembly operations in confined spaces, such as doors-on automotive assembly operations. In various embodiments, the torque tools include an elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end includes a gripping handle. The disclosed torque tools also may include a drive element disposed in the distal end portion and adapted to rotatably engage a threaded fastener, a gear assembly operatively connected within the housing and operatively coupled to the drive element, a drive motor disposed within the gripping handle, and a cable-exit extending from the housing and positioned between the gripping handle and the distal end portion, wherein the cable-exit is configured to electrically couple the motor to a control cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Leonard Demchak, Christopher Landon, Michael Juliano
  • Patent number: 8616092
    Abstract: A device and method for aligning and inserting a threaded fastener into a threaded hole. The device contains a base and a rail extending up from the base. A gearbox may be attached to the rail such that the gearbox can travel along the rail between a fastener loading position, a fastener install position, and a fastener realigning position. A socket assembly is connected to or otherwise associated with the gearbox and includes a drive socket that is adapted to accept the threaded fastener and an input shaft which is adapted to translate rotational motion to the output socket. A spring mechanism is attached to the gearbox and contains a spring that will compress when the gearbox travels into the fastener realigning position. A compressible washer may be interposed between the output shaft and the drive socket of the socket assembly so that the central axes of these components may be misaligned without causing damage or disrupting the alignment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Beck
  • Publication number: 20130319183
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for threading a nut along a stud or similar elongate member include use of a contact member within a first orifice that engages the nut, and a torque transfer member within a second orifice that engages both the contact member and a power source, such as an air ratchet. Torque from the power source causes movement of the torque transfer member, which in turn causes movement of the contact member, thereby threading or unthreading the nut along the stud or other elongate member. The first orifice includes a through bore for accommodating passage of the elongate member, while the body of the apparatus can include ferromagnetic members for preventing loss of the nut and additional structures for limiting undesired movement of the power source or apparatus through contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Don K. Clover
  • Patent number: 8584554
    Abstract: A torque multiplier includes a main body, a torque input shaft, at least one torque sensor, an angle sensor, and an information transmission circuit. The main body contains therein at least one gear train. The gear train has upper and lower ends respectively forming a torque input port and a torque output shaft. The torque output shaft is coupleable with a tool piece, such as a socket. The torque input shaft has an end fit into the torque input port and an opposite end coupleable with a torque device, such as a hand tool, an electrical tool, or a pneumatic tool. The torque device applies a torque input to the torque input shaft that in turn rotates the gear train to provide a multiplied torque output to the torque output shaft. The torque sensor is mounted to a surface of the torque output shaft of the gear train of the main body to detect the torque value of the torque output shaft and provide a torque value signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Legend Lifestyle Products Corp.
    Inventor: Chiang Kao Chen
  • Publication number: 20130276589
    Abstract: A fastener installation tool and related method are provided for installing fasteners in boards. The tool can include a feed mechanism that automatically and sequentially feeds collated fasteners to a nose assembly. The nose assembly can include a guide having an alignment projection extending downwardly from the guide, and configured to engage a board corner and/or side surface, so as to align an angled bore through which fasteners are guided with the board corner and or side surface. The nose assembly can include a magnetic element located adjacent a path on which the collated fasteners are advanced. The magnetic element can exert a magnetic force on an individual fastener, aligning it for precise entry into the angled bore. The nose assembly can include a guide pocket to positively constrain a fastener as it rotates to ensure a desired advancement trajectory. A related method of installation is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Roger A. Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 8533922
    Abstract: A holding device for holding a stud, which includes a radially projecting flange in a securing position, comprises a collet component including a hollow tubular insertion section defining an insertion axis, and a clamping section operable to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and includes a securing sleeve formed of plurality of separate securing-sleeve sections that are radially movable relative to one another. A clearance space is defined between a bottom end of the securing-sleeve sections and a top end of the clamping section, and the clearance space is operable for holding a flange of a stud in the securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Jochen Hain, Alexander Schug, Karl-Heinz Briel, Markus Feierabend, Michael Schneider, Frank Rosemann, Wolfgang Werner, Harald Knetsch
  • Patent number: 8490516
    Abstract: A screw driving machine includes a bit that is movable to strike a screw against a workpiece and rotatable to rotate the screw to the workpiece, a combustion-type power mechanism including a spark plug that ignites combustible gas filled in a combustion chamber to apply striking force to cause the bit to strike the screw, a motor that generates a rotative force when supplied with electric force, and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotative force generated at the motor to the bit to cause the bit to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norikazu Baba, Yasuki Ohmori, Shouichi Hirai
  • Publication number: 20130139651
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are different embodiments of a fastening device. In particular, various embodiments of a fastening device are described herein for enabling fasteners of different types (e.g. shape and/or size, etc.) to be fastened using a common input drive. For example, different embodiments of the herein described fastening device comprise two or more output sockets in attending to the fastening of different fastener types, which output sockets are selectable in one example by reorienting the fastening device via activation of the input drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8434216
    Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining a machine using an in-situ vehicle (IV) is provided. The IV may be used with a machine that includes a work-piece and an interference body positioned proximate a surface of the work-piece such that a relatively small gap extends between the work-piece and the interference body. The method includes transporting the IV from external to the machine into the gap, positioning the IV in the gap such that at least a portion of the IV circumscribes a work area of the work-piece, locking the IV between the work-piece and the interference body, and manipulating a tool coupled to the IV from external to the machine, the tool configured to transfer a component between the work-piece and a storage cassette on the IV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Waheed Tony Mall, Robert Martin Roney, Jr., Roderick Mark Lusted, Eric Buskirk, James Thaddeus Henley, Paul C. Bagley, Gary Lindsey Stewart, Kenneth John Hatley, Richard Michael Hatley, Peter John McGrath
  • Publication number: 20130104702
    Abstract: A power wrench has a housing with a forwardly extending tubular neck portion, a rotation motor, an output shaft extending coaxially through the neck portion, and a torque reaction bar supported on the neck portion via a splines coupling. The reaction bar is axially locked to the housing by a nut assembly co-operating with a threaded section of the neck portion. The nut assembly includes a nut element, a maneuver ring supported on the nut element, and lock pins extend through axial bores in the nut element and are arranged to positively engage the keyways of the splines coupling in a lock position to rotationally lock the nut assembly relative to the housing. The lock pins are secured to the ring, and a spring is arranged between the nut element and the ring to bias the ring and the lock pins towards the lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Atlas Copco Industrial Technique AB
    Inventor: Tore Gunnar Hellström
  • Patent number: 8424418
    Abstract: A floating head couples a screwdriver to a screw finder. The floating head includes a screwdriver attachment assembly that attaches to a screwdriver for driving a first rotation member (FRM). The floating head includes a screw finder attachment assembly that attaches to a bit of a screw finder such that driving a second rotation member (SRM) drives the bit. The floating head includes a ball shaft having a first end portion (EP) engaged in a first socket of the FRM and a second EP engaged in a second socket of the SRM. When the FRM is driven by the screwdriver, the ball shaft translates rotation of the FRM to the SRM. When the FRM and the SRM are displaced relative to one another, the ball shaft tilts such that the first EP maintains engagement with the first socket and the second EP maintains engagement with the second socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wuester, Sr., Jambunathan Vangal-Ramamurthy
  • Patent number: 8415046
    Abstract: A battery housing portion S includes regulating members 30 adapted to fit grooves of a battery pack having a T-shape cross section, so that the battery pack can be housed in the battery housing portion S in the state that the both regulating members 30 fit the grooves. The regulating members 30 regulate housing orientation of the battery pack 20, so that misjudgment about orientation of the battery pack 20 is prevented. In addition, if the orientation has been misjudged, an operator can notice such misjudgment immediately, thereby improving the operability during mounting the battery pack 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Kondo
  • Patent number: 8408097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a screwing tool that comprises a drive arranged in a housing and an output shaft connected to said drive, a screwdriver point being arranged at the front face of the output shaft. The aim of the invention is to provide a screwing tool with which different connecting elements, in particular actuating and clamping elements consisting of a screwable sleeve and an inner screw can be screwed with only a single screwing tool. In order to achieve this aim, the screwing tool comprises a receiving part (500) which surrounds the output shaft and is displaceably guided in the direction of the axis (202) of the output shaft (200) against the force of a return element (505).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Grohmann Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Grohmann, Lothar Thommes
  • Publication number: 20130047432
    Abstract: A hydraulic wrench extension includes an input head connected to an output head via a fluid conduit. The input head is adapted to receive an input torque and convert the input torque into hydraulic fluid pressure. The fluid conduit is adapted to communicate the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the input head to the output head. The output head is adapted to convert the hydraulic fluid pressure into torque for applying to a fastener. The hydraulic wrench extension may comprise an articulating linkage adapted to house the fluid conduit and provide a configurable orientation of the wrench extension for traversing obstacles and accessing difficult-to-reach fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Donald James Novkov
  • Publication number: 20130008015
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for tightening a threaded fastener including:—a pulling device, threadedly engageable with an extruding part of a shank of a fastener, which pulls the shank, the pulling device having:—a first pull setting which achieves closure of a joint; a second pull setting which substantially frees a nut from a surface of the closed joint; a turning device, engageable with the nut, which turns the nut on the shank, the turning device having:—a torque setting which turns the nut with a predetermined torque to maintain joint closure; a turn setting which turns the nut by a predetermined degree of rotation; and at least one controlling device which controls the pulling and turning devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Publication number: 20120325509
    Abstract: An impact wrench, includes a housing including a handle. A rotating anvil is supported by the housing and includes a polygonal head adapted for receiving a socket thereon. A socket retention device is mounted to the polygonal head of the rotating anvil for securing a socket to the polygonal head. A socket release mechanism includes an actuator mounted to the housing and operable to disengage the socket retention device from the socket to allow the socket to be removed from the anvil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Puzio, Robert J. Opsitos, Robert G. Kusmierski, Robert S. Gehret, John Cox, Craig A. Schell, Michael Haupt, Joseph Kelleher
  • Publication number: 20120297932
    Abstract: A hand-held powered wrench includes a primary handle and a secondary handle. A motor is mounted on a primary handle. The secondary handle provides a second hand grip position which is significantly displaced from the primary handle axis, and includes a motor control for starting and stopping the motor. By having the significant displacement of the motor controlling second hand grip position, the operator naturally chooses a better stance and naturally dissociates the motor control hand from the torque sustaining hand in operation of the power wrench. The hand-held powered wrench can be used such as for safely exercising fire hydrant valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: TORQBUDDY LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Backlund
  • Publication number: 20120297939
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque transfer device, comprising a body section, a rotary head section and an internal driveshaft within the body section for coupling rotational input through the body to the head section at an angle with respect to the drive direction. The body section comprises a rotational drive input that connects to an internal driveshaft. The body section terminates, allowing the driveshaft to continue into a universal pivot joint, which further connects to the head section having an internal rotary ratchet transmission and socket-accepting inner portion. As the input is rotated, the driveshaft rotates the ratchet head, providing a tool that allows directional variation with regard to input and output torque transmission. The universal joint allows the head section to be further rotated with respect to the body section for improved torque input onto fastener heads in enclosed or shrouded locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Spata
  • Publication number: 20120279362
    Abstract: A torque wrench assembly includes a housing having a motor assembly and a socket defining an opening extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and having at least one fastener driving portion disposed at one of the first end and the second end of the socket. The torque wrench assembly includes a socket drive interface coupled to the housing and disposed in operative communication with the motor assembly and with the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Lowell Corporation
    Inventors: David Cummings, Derek Silsby, Paul Carnes
  • Patent number: 8302282
    Abstract: Placing device for placing a fastener. The device includes a housing, a mounting surface for a fastener and comprising an opening, a drive mandrel comprising a rotation axis and a portion which passes through the opening and that is structured and arranged to engage the fastener, and a fork-shaped receptacle arranged at least one of in an area of the mounting surface, adjacent the mounting surface, and associated with the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Gesipa Blindniettechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Lothar Wille
  • Patent number: 8283564
    Abstract: A termination tool for terminating multiple wires to a two part electrical connector assembly composed of a wire arrangement manifold and a jack housing is provided by the present disclosure. The termination tool includes a main tool body having a termination housing provided thereon including a first cavity, a second cavity and a passage extending between the first and second cavities. The first cavity has an open side to receive and is shaped to removably retain a wire arrangement manifold, the second cavity having an open side to receive and being shaped to removably retain a jack housing, and the passage being sized to allow, in use, the wire arrangement manifold to pass therethrough from the first cavity to the second cavity and having cutting means provided on opposing sides of its end proximate to the first cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hellermanntyton Data Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason James, Stuart Ponting
  • Patent number: 8276483
    Abstract: The invention describes a hand power tool with a drive spindle and an integrated tool holder. The drive spindle can be connected to the tool holder in a rotationally fixed and undetachable manner, and the tool holder has at least one magnet. The drive spindle is connected to the tool holder such that at least one first section of the drive spindle is permanently connected to the tool holder and at least one second section of the drive spindle is present which is at least as long as the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Hecht
  • Publication number: 20120240730
    Abstract: A tool for mounting or removing a container of energy that powers an engine or motor that propels a motor vehicle, fixed to the motor vehicle using a lock on which there acts a piston that loads the lock. The tool includes at least one tool attachment device, a device for releasing the load on the lock by acting on the piston, and a device for locking and/or unlocking the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Bruno Escande, Francois Combe