Tool apparatus, system and method of use
First Claim
1. A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a tool;
providing a driver operatively associated with the tool;
providing a controller operatively associated with the tool;
providing a cradle for receiving the tool;
receiving and retaining information in the tool when the tool is docked in the cradle, the information being for use in at least one torque operation;
identifying a torque operation comprising replacing a plurality of lug nuts on at least one tire of a vehicle;
providing operational information corresponding to the torque operation;
performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information while recording service information; and
storing the service information on the controller, the step of performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information further comprising;
controllably displaying a representation of a vehicle on the display;
displaying a tire position indicator corresponding to each of the at least one tire;
activating the tire position indicator when an operation is to be performed on that tire.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system, and a method of using a system, for controlled tool operation. The method includes providing a tool used in a force application such as a such torque application. The tool communicates with a controller which can communicate with the tool, and to a display in communication with the tool and the controller. The controller can be programmed with operational information about a tool operation. Information related to the operational information is displayed to a user during use. Service information including at least information about an amount of force applied during use is recorded and stored in the controller. Also disclosed is a computerized system for controlled tool operation which sends operational instructions to the tool before use and retrieves service information from the tool after use.
128 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a tool; providing a driver operatively associated with the tool; providing a controller operatively associated with the tool; providing a cradle for receiving the tool; receiving and retaining information in the tool when the tool is docked in the cradle, the information being for use in at least one torque operation; identifying a torque operation comprising replacing a plurality of lug nuts on at least one tire of a vehicle; providing operational information corresponding to the torque operation; performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information while recording service information; and storing the service information on the controller, the step of performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information further comprising;
controllably displaying a representation of a vehicle on the display;
displaying a tire position indicator corresponding to each of the at least one tire;
activating the tire position indicator when an operation is to be performed on that tire. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a tool; providing a driver operatively associated with the tool; providing a controller operatively associated with the tool; providing a cradle for receiving the tool; receiving and retaining information in the tool when the tool is docked in the cradle, the information being for use in at least one torque operation; identifying a torque operation comprising replacing a plurality of lug nuts on at least one tire of a vehicle; providing operational information corresponding to the torque operation; performing the torque operation corresponding to the operational information while recording service information, the torque operation including providing a first visual indicator corresponding to an approach condition;
providing a second visual indicator corresponding to a target condition; and
providing a third visual indicator corresponding to an over-torque condition;
the first, second, and third indicators being coupled to the controller;
controllably operating the first, second, and third indicators to illuminate when a corresponding condition has been reached.; andstoring the service information on the controller. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for controlled tool operation, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a tool; providing a driver operatively associated with the tool; providing a controller operatively associated with the tool; providing a display operatively associated with the tool and the controller; providing a control unit having a first connection communicating with a cradle and a second connection communicating with a shop management system, the cradle being dimensioned for receiving the tool to enable communication between the tool and the control unit. providing a shop management system being in detachable communication with the tool, the shop management system controllably generating work orders; retrieving information for at least one work order on the shop management system; transmitting at least one work order to the control unit for storage in the control unit; selecting a work order stored on the control unit and transmitting the work order to the tool; performing a torque application related to the work order using the tool and recording service information; transmitting the service information to the control unit; and transmitting the service information from the control unit to the shop management system. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification