The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 04, 1990
Filed:
Jul. 19, 1989
John M Lord, Chicago, IL (US);
James S Stanley, Willowbrook, IL (US);
Louis J Vassos, Park Ridge, IL (US);
Skil Corporation, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A cordless powered ratchet wrench includes a ratchet actuator that selects a direction of rotation of an output shaft that is adapted to hold rotating tools for use. The ratchet actuator also serves as a ratcheting stop to permit a limited amount of ratcheting motion for manual tightening or loosening of a nut, bolt or the like. A lost-motion drive transmits power from a battery to the output shaft while permitting nearly two full circles of ratcheting rotation. An external pushbutton operates internal switches to connect a rechargeable battery in a desired direction, and also functions as an interlock to prevent reversal of the direction in which torque is applied while the pushbutton is engaged. The ratchet actuator that selects a desired direction of rotation also functions to provide a positive driving surface for manual exertion of torque by an operator and as a ratchet to permit rotation in the opposite direction when the wrench is ratcheting, and it operates a switch to select a direction of powered motion. Exposed terminals prepare the wrench to be inserted into a charger for recharging the battery.