Air compressor tools that communicate with an air compressor

• US 20060045752A1
• Filed: 08/30/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MAT Industries, LLC (MAT Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Powermate Corporation (Pramac America LLC)
• Inventors: Beckman, Kurt
• Granted Patent: US 7,481,627 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/44.200
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 2203/0209 Rotational speed
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 41/02 having reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/022 by means of pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/065 and making use of computers

Abstract

An air compressor utilizing an electronic control system. A pneumatically controlled regulator is provided for controlling output pressure for an air compressor. Digital gauges are provided on the air compressor to replace conventional mechanical gauges. A variable speed motor is used, which in turn varies the speed of the pump. Tools are provided for an air compressor that are capable of transmitting a signal to the air compressor indicating a desired pressure and/or motor speed at which the air compressor is to operate.

Claims

1. An air compressor, comprising:

a receiver for receiving operating information from an air compressor tool, the air compressor tool being connected to the air compressor; and

a controller for setting operation of the air compressor in accordance with the information.

2. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the receiver is a wireless receiver.

3. The air compressor of claim 2, wherein receiver is configured to receive the information from a signal carrying pneumatic hose.

4. The air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a variable speed motor, and wherein the operating information comprises a setting for speed of the motor.

5. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the operating information comprises a setting for output pressure of the air compressor.

6. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the operating information comprises a setting for tank pressure of the air compressor.

7. The air compressor of claim 1, further comprising a plug for attaching a signal carrying pneumatic hose, and wherein the plug comprises at least one electrical contact for receiving the information.

8. The air compressor of claim 7, wherein the plug comprises two electrical contacts, a first contact electrically connected to the plug and a second contact electrically insulated from the plug.

9. The air compressor of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to access a lookup table and upon receiving the information, accessing operating conditions for the air compressor via the lookup table.

10. The air compressor of claim 9, wherein the information comprises a resistance.

11. A pneumatic hose, comprising:

at least one signal carrying wire extending along a length of the hose; and

a coupler at each end of the hose, each coupler comprising;

a contact electrically connected to said at least one signal carrying wire; and

a receiver for fitting onto a port of an air compressor or an air compressor tool.

12. The pneumatic hose of claim 11, wherein the number of signal carrying wires comprises two, and wherein a first wire is insulated relative to each coupler and a second wire is electrically connected to each coupler.

13. An air compressor tool, comprising:

a device for generating operating information for an air compressor; and

a transmitter enabling the information to be accessed by an air compressor.

14. The air compressor tool of claim 13, wherein the transmitter comprises a wireless transmitter.

15. The air compressor tool of claim 13, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the information via a signal carrying pneumatic hose.

16. The air compressor tool of claim 13, wherein the information comprises a resistance.

17. The air compressor tool of claim 16, wherein the resistance is variable at the tool.

18. The air compressor tool of claim 13, wherein the information is variable at the tool.

19. The air compressor tool of claim 13, wherein the operating information comprises a setting for speed of a variable speed motor on an air compressor.

20. The air compressor tool of claim 13, wherein the operating information comprises a setting for output pressure of an air compressor.

21. The air compressor tool of claim 13, wherein the operating information comprises a setting for tank pressure of the air compressor.

22. The air compressor tool of claim 13, further comprising a plug for attaching a signal carrying pneumatic hose, and wherein the plug comprises at least one electrical contact for electrically providing the information.

23. The air compressor tool of claim 22, wherein the plug comprises two electrical contacts, a first contact electrically connected to the plug and a second contact electrically insulated from the plug.

24. The air compressor tool of claim 23, further comprising an electrical connection between the first and second contacts, and a resistor connected in series with the first and second contacts, and the information comprises the resistance of the resistor.

25. The air compressor tool of claim 23, further comprising an electrical connection between the first and second contacts, and a variable resistor connected in series with the first and second contacts, and the information comprises the resistance of the variable resistor.