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:
Apr. 14, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 25, 1996
Craig A Schell, Baltimore, MD (US);
James R Parks, Timonium, MD (US);
Todd A Hagan, Windsor, PA (US);
Pradeep Kumar Nandam, Chelmsford, MA (US);
Rouse R Bailey, Jr, New Park, PA (US);
Black & Decker Inc., Newark, DE (US);
Abstract
A production assembly tool for securing fasteners to a workpiece such as an automobile body. The production assembly tool of the present invention includes a housing which encases a motor, a transmission, a clutch mechanism and a control module. The control module controls the running and braking of the motor and prevents both over and under securing of a fastener caused by falsely detected tool clutch conditions. An improved clutch sensor switch is operatively associated with the control module for detecting clutch disengagement. The clutch mechanism is designed to drive the fastener until the clutch sensor switch detects clutch disengagement and signals the control circuit to stop drive and start braking. The production assembly tool further includes a system for ensuring accurate placement of the power tool motor in the power tool housing subsequent to motor servicing or repair. Further, an adjustment collar located in the tool nose allows selective access to a clutch adjustment mechanism of the tool located within the housing for torque level adjustment. In addition, the tool housing is covered by an integral, self-sealing non-marring overmold exterior. The overmold exterior allows a lubrication needle to be inserted through an aperture located beneath the overmold exterior. After the needle is removed, the overmold exterior subsequently self-seals, thereby preventing dirt from entering the interior of the tool housing and the applied lubrication from leaking.