IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,126,317
Granted Patent B2
US 9,126,317 · App. 13/295,719 · Granted Sep 8, 2015

Tool apparatus system and method of use

Inventors: Chris Lawton (Costa Mesa, CA); Jie Li (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA); De L. San (La Verne, CA); Nathan Lee (Escondido, CA)
Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
B25B23/14B25B21/00B25B23/1425B60B29/003B60B2900/3312B60B2900/3315
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,126,317
App. No.
13/295,719
Granted
Sep 8, 2015
Kind
B2
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 (11)

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.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 15, 2012
From: LAWTON, CHRIS; LI, JIE; SAN, DE L.; LEE, NATHAN
To: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
Reel/Frame 029305/0603 →
Continuity (8)
Continuation In Part 13117670 · May 27, 2011
Continuation 11679113 · Feb 26, 2007
Continuation 11025225 · Dec 22, 2004
Continuation PCTUS0330263 · Sep 26, 2003
Continuation In Part PCTUS0320426 · Jun 27, 2003
Provisional Application 60414191 · Sep 27, 2002
Provisional Application 60392322 · Jun 27, 2002
Related Publication 20120234569A1 · Sep 20, 2012