A bidirectional extraction socket may include a driven end configured to receive drive power from a driving tool, a drive end configured to interface with a fastener, and a body portion extending between the driven end and the drive end about an axis of the extraction socket. The drive end includes a fastener engagement recess extending into the body portion and coaxial with the body portion. The fastener engagement recess is configured to engage with the fastener such that the fastener is drivable in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction while avoiding contact with corner portions of the fastener.

A method for connecting a screw and a rotary tool in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the drive surfaces of the driving profiles have a constant inclination relative to their profile axis, which is the same for all drive surfaces of both components. In the component with the outer driving profile, the drive surfaces are all concave or all convex, and in the component with the inner driving profile, the drive surfaces are curved complementary to the drive surfaces of the outer driving profile, in such a way that, in the plugged-together state, the drive surfaces of the two components, viewed in the circumferential direction, come into surface contact/engagement with one another on both sides of the apex of the concave/convex curvature. The driving profiles are designed in such a way that they do not come into contact with each other in the transition regions located between the drive surfaces.

A fastener identifying unit for use within an installation tool, has one or more movable jaws associated with a barrel. At least one jaw includes an identification member that changes position when the respective jaw moves or is actuated. The jaws are movable relative to the barrel and define a fastener receiving section, which may be an interface between a pair of jaws. The jaws are biased in a relative direction maintaining the identification member in a first position when a fastener is not present in the barrel. When a fastener is inserted into the barrel, the tip is received by the receiving section, which thereby causes the one or more movable jaws to move against the bias and the identification member to shift to a second position. The identification member is viewable by an installer in the second position to notify the installer of the presence of the fastener.

A hex headed bit and socket for enhanced non-slip application of torque force having a hex head with contoured fastener engagement surface channel at the center of the respective alternating flat tool engagement sides. The contoured channels are tapered both transversely and longitudinally and extend in angular inclination across hex head bit flat side. The defined primary channel lateral edges correspondingly embed themselves during rotational engagement within the so engaged fastener pulling the hex head bit into the engaged fastener imparting enhanced translateral points of tool engagement.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for affixing and/or removing a fastener from a wafer-carrying pod. The system includes a robotic arm with a screw tool assembly disposed at the far end of the robotic arm. The screw tool assembly includes a lower sleeve configured to receive a fastener. A screwdriver is disposed within an upper sleeve of the screw tool assembly, and a motor is provided to rotate the screwdriver. In use, the screw tool assembly is positioned over the fastener so the lower sleeve surrounds the fastener and the screwdriver engages the fastener. The screwdriver unscrews the fastener from the pod, and the fastener head is received within the lower sleeve.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for affixing and/or removing a fastener from a wafer-carrying pod. The system includes a robotic arm with a screw tool assembly disposed at the far end of the robotic arm. The screw tool assembly includes a lower sleeve configured to receive a fastener. A screwdriver is disposed within an upper sleeve of the screw tool assembly, and a motor is provided to rotate the screwdriver. In use, the screw tool assembly is positioned over the fastener so the lower sleeve surrounds the fastener and the screwdriver engages the fastener. The screwdriver unscrews the fastener from the pod, and the fastener head is received within the lower sleeve.

Methods and apparatus for a fastener head having a dual zone socket area and a mating driver bit according to aspects of the present technology include a fastener configured with driving surfaces adapted to provide enhanced engagement between each other during use. The fastener includes a recessed socket area with a sidewall that has an upper inwardly tapering section and a lower vertical section that extends to the bottom of the recessed socket area. The upper inwardly tapering section of the sidewall may also include an offset relative to the lower vertical section to create asymmetrical driving and removal surfaces. The technology also includes a corresponding mating driver bit configured with mating surfaces to the fastener to provide enhanced engagement between the fastener and mating driver bit. The technology also allows either the fastener or the driving bit to be used with preexisting fasteners and driver bits.

An adapter assembly configured to install a roof rack accessory to a vehicle is provided. The roof rack accessory may include a vehicle attachment assembly having a fastener and a locking mechanism. In particular, the adapter assembly may comprise a wrench, an adapter, and a driving sleeve. The adapter engaging with the wrench includes an adapter body that includes first and second engagement portions and a driving post that engages the fastener of the vehicle attachment assembly. The driving sleeve may be engageable with the adapter, wherein the locking mechanism of the vehicle attachment assembly is engaged with the driving sleeve while the fastener of the vehicle attachment assembly is engaged with the adapter.

A screw starting device is provided. The screw starting device includes a body, an adjustment assembly and a screw holder. The body includes a screw holding portion and an indexing surface. The adjustment assembly is integral with the screw holding portion. The screw holder is removably attachable to the adjustment assembly. The screw holder includes an insert selected from a group of inserts respectively compatible with screws of varying types. The adjustment assembly is operable to adjust a location of the screw holder relative to the indexing surface.

A screw starting device is provided. The screw starting device includes a body, an adjustment assembly and a screw holder. The body includes a screw holding portion and an indexing surface. The adjustment assembly is integral with the screw holding portion. The screw holder is removably attachable to the adjustment assembly. The screw holder includes an insert selected from a group of inserts respectively compatible with screws of varying types. The adjustment assembly is operable to adjust a location of the screw holder relative to the indexing surface.