Patent US3967513A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3967513A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Torque signaling attachment for torque wrench
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-08-29
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Granted: 1976-07-06
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Expires: 1995-08-29
Abstract
Abstract A torque signaling attachment for a conventional torque wrench for producing a visual or audible signal when the wrench is applying a predetermined torque. In a conventional torque wrench, the angular offset between the torque beam and the indicating pointer is proportional to the applied torque. The signaling attachment detects a predetermined lateral offset between the beam and pointer. The indicating device is secured to the torque beam, and the torque corresponding to the predetermined lateral offset is determined by the location of the signaling attachment on the beam. When the beam becomes laterally offset from the pointer by the predetermined amount, the pointer contacts the signaling device to complete an electrical circuit and produce a torque indicating signal. The signaling device is calibrated by applying a predetermined torque with the wrench and adjusting the position of the device along the torque beam until the signal occurs.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack L. Myrdal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 11:00
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B23/00; B25B23/14; B25B23/142; B25B23/1422; B25B23/1427
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
In a torque wrench having a metal torsion head adapted to engage a mechanical element, a resilient metal torque beam extending radially from said torsion head and terminating in a handle, a metal indicating pointer extending radially from said torsion head at a pointer axially spaced from said torque beam, and a torque indicating plate fastened to said torque beam intermediate said pointer, a torque indicating device comprising: fastening means for attaching said device to said torque beam at a plurality of points along the length of said torque beam; and signal means for producing a signal when the lateral offset between said indicating pointer and said torque beam at said point of attachment is a predetermined value such that the value of applied torque actuating said signal means is adjusted by varying the location of said device along said torque beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a torque wrench having a metal torsion head adapted to engage a mechanical element, a resilient metal torque beam extending radially from said torsion head and terminating in a handle, a metal indicating pointer extending radially from said torsion head at a pointer axially spaced from said torque beam, and a torque indicating plate fastened to said torque beam intermediate said pointer, a torque indicating device comprising: fastening means for attaching said device to said torque beam at a plurality of points along the length of said torque beam; and signal means for producing a signal when the lateral offset between said indicating pointer and said torque beam at said point of attachment is a predetermined value such that the value of applied torque actuating said signal means is adjusted by varying the location of said device along said torque beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
The torque signaling device of claim 1 wherein said signal means comprise an electrical signaling device powered through an electrical switch, the contacts of said switch being formed by said indicating pointer and an electrical contact on said torque signaling device, said contact being laterally offset from said torque beam and intersecting a plane defined by the movement of said indicating pointer such that a lateral deflection of said torque beam of a predetermined distance causes said contact to abut said pointer to complete a circuit with said electrical signaling device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
143 words
The torque signaling device of claim 2 wherein said signal means comprise: a cover portion having a central axis containing a threaded bore adapted to receive an electric lamp, one surface of said cover portion being said electrical contact; a housing portion mating with said cover portion; a battery contained within said housing; an electric lamp inserted in said bore, said lamp having a first electric terminal around its periphery and a second electric terminal at one end thereof, said second terminal being in electrical communication with a terminal of said battery of one polarity; a clamp fastening said housing portion to said torque beam; first electrical conductor means for electrically connecting said torque beam to a terminal of said battery of opposite polarity; and second electrical conductor means for electrically connecting the electrical contact on said cover to said first electrical terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
180 words
A torque wrench signaling device comprising: a cylindrical housing having an axial recess opening at one end and receiving a battery, said battery being coaxial with said housing such that a first terminal of said battery abuts the end surface of said recess, while a second, opposite terminal of said battery faces toward the opening of said recess; a housing cover mating with said housing, said cover having an axial bore receiving an electric lamp, said lamp having a periphery terminal and an end terminal, said end terminal being in electrical communication with the second terminal of said battery; fastening means for securing said cover to said housing; a torque beam clamp connected to said housing, said clamp releasably securing said housing to said elongated beam; a first contact terminal on said clamp adapted to abut said elongated beam, said terminal being in electrical communication with the first terminal of said battery; and a second contact terminal on said cover axially spaced from said clamp, said second contact terminal being in electrical communication with the periphery terminal of said lamp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
180 words
A torque wrench signaling device comprising: a cylindrical housing having an axial recess opening at one end and receiving a battery, said battery being coaxial with said housing such that a first terminal of said battery abuts the end surface of said recess, while a second, opposite terminal of said battery faces toward the opening of said recess; a housing cover mating with said housing, said cover having an axial bore receiving an electric lamp, said lamp having a periphery terminal and an end terminal, said end terminal being in electrical communication with the second terminal of said battery; fastening means for securing said cover to said housing; a torque beam clamp connected to said housing, said clamp releasably securing said housing to said elongated beam; a first contact terminal on said clamp adapted to abut said elongated beam, said terminal being in electrical communication with the first terminal of said battery; and a second contact terminal on said cover axially spaced from said clamp, said second contact terminal being in electrical communication with the periphery terminal of said lamp.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
79 words
The signaling device of claim 4 wherein said housing, clamp and cover are fabricated from an electricity conducting metal, said device further including: an insulating sheet isolating said cover from said housing said sheet passing between the end terminal of said lamp and the second terminal of said battery; and a metal projection extending through said sheet between said end terminal and second terminal, thereby placing said end terminal in electrical communication with the second terminal of said battery.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
The signaling device of claim 5 wherein said fastening means comprise: a plurality of bores extending axially through said cover and into said housing; an insulating sleeve lining each cover bore; and a threaded fastener inserted into each bore and passing through said cover to engage threads in said housing, each of said fasteners passing through an insulated washer before entering said bore.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of calibrating a torque signaling device to correspond to a predetermined torque applied by a torque wrench, said torque wrench having a torsion head engaging a mechanical element, a torque beam extending radially from said torsion head and terminating in a handle, and an indicating pointer extending radially from said torsion head along the length of said beam at a point axially spaced therefrom, said torque signaling device being slidable along the length of said torque beam and producing an indicating signal when the lateral offset between said torque beam and indicating pointer is a predetermined value, said method comprising: applying a predetermined torque with said wrench; sliding said signaling device along said torque beam until said device produces an indicating signal; and securing said signaling device to said torque beam.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
133 words
A method of calibrating a torque signaling device to correspond to a predetermined torque applied by a torque wrench, said torque wrench having a torsion head engaging a mechanical element, a torque beam extending radially from said torsion head and terminating in a handle, and an indicating pointer extending radially from said torsion head along the length of said beam at a point axially spaced therefrom, said torque signaling device being slidable along the length of said torque beam and producing an indicating signal when the lateral offset between said torque beam and indicating pointer is a predetermined value, said method comprising: applying a predetermined torque with said wrench; sliding said signaling device along said torque beam until said device produces an indicating signal; and securing said signaling device to said torque beam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-06 | 1980-01-05 | 1980-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-06 | 1984-01-05 | 1984-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-06 | 1988-01-05 | 1988-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |