Tool apparatus system and method of use

• US 9,126,317 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2011
• Issued: 09/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
• Inventors: Lawton, Chris, Li, Jie, San, De L., Lee, Nathan
• Primary Examiner(s): CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C
• Application Number:
  US13/295,719
• Publication Number:
  US 20120234569A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,394 Days
• Field of Search: 173/2, 173/176, 173/181, 738/622.1
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 21/00 Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening tools; details or components, e.g. casings, bodies, of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operation performed B25F5/00; for mounting or dismounting wheels B60B29/006; Attachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose machines B23P19/06
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 21/002 for special purposes
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/14 Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers couplings for transmitting rotation or clutches F16D; devices for measuring torque per se G01L
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/1425 by electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 29/003 Wrenches, e.g. of the ratchet type B60B29/001 takes precedence; wrenches per se B25B13/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 29/006 with electric or pneumatic drive power-driven nut setting or loosening tool per se B25B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/3312 during regular use
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/3313 during maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/3315 by avoiding misuse
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/20 Administration of product repair or maintenance

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.

Claims

1. A tool adapted to be coupled with a driver to engage and apply an amount of torque to a work piece, the tool comprising:

a driver controller operably coupled to the driver and adapted to measure the amount of torque applied to the work piece;

a tube coupled to the driver controller; and

a transceiver coupled to the tool and including a first planar portion having a first width extending in a first direction and a first length extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second planar portion extending perpendicular to the first planar portion and having a second width extending in the first direction and a second length extending in the second direction, wherein the transceiver is adapted to wirelessly transmit information relating to the amount of torque.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the transceiver is coupled to the tool by a bracket.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the driver controller is adapted to record service information including data relating to the amount of torque.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the transceiver is disposed within a cavity of the tool.

5. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a memory adapted to store the information.

6. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a power source adapted to supply power to the transceiver.

7. The tool of claim 1, further comprising an indicator adapted to notify a user of the tool when the tool applies a predetermined amount of torque to the work piece.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the indicator is a light.