A method for estimating a clamp force obtained at tightening of a screw joint via a torque pulse sequence includes applying a primary torque pulse to rotate the screw joint in a tightening direction, measuring a torque level obtained by the primary torque pulse, applying a secondary torque pulse to move the screw joint in a loosening direction, measuring a torque level obtained by the secondary torque pulse, and calculating a difference between the torque level obtained by the primary torque pulse and the torque level obtained by the secondary torque pulse. The obtained clamp force is estimated from the difference between the obtained torque levels.

A method of torque control and a torque control apparatus for a pneumatic torque tool are provided. The method includes: connecting a torque control apparatus between an air supply system and a pneumatic torque tool; under predetermined working and control conditions, driving the pneumatic torque tool at the first and second working air pressures to calibrate output torque, and to obtain maximum and minimum torque values; constructing correspondence curve between air pressure and torque value based on the first and second working air pressures and the maximum and minimum torque values obtained; entering any target torque value ranging from minimum torque value to maximum torque value of the correspondence curve to obtain a corresponding working air pressure value and drive the pneumatic torque tool; and verifying whether all working and control conditions are controlled within a predetermined range of variation to control the output torque.

An inspection system is provided, which is capable of notifying a worker of a determination result immediately while preventing detection failure. The inspection system to inspect a tightening state of a bolt includes: a server device that determines quality of the tightening state of the bolt based on a degree of similarity of a shape of a tightening waveform that indicates a torque change with time when a worker tightens the bolt using a nutrunner to a shape of a reference waveform that indicates an ideal torque change with time when the bolt is tightened; and a notification device that notifies the worker of the quality of the tightening state of the bolt, which is determined by the server device.

An adaptive mechanical joint control and stabilization process and device having particular usefulness in mechanical joints employing U-bolts. The method and device monitors at least two predetermined metrics during a fastener tightening clampload cycle and compares the work expended in achieving a target limit value. Through examining the work expended through the monitored metrics, additional clampload cycles will automatically be run until the monitored work expended for all of the fasteners falls within predetermined values increasing the stabilization of the joint and further advantages of increased residual clampload. The process and device is useful in separating clampload cycles which form or yield the fastener from a final clampload cycle which properly elongates the fastener for a secure clampload and stabilized joint.

A method of processing a workpiece comprises identifying processing locations on the workpiece, drilling a first hole at one of the processing locations using a rotary drive, sensing a flow of fluid while drilling, generating an operation signal based on the flow, comparing the duration interval of the operation signal to a predetermined temporal value, and drilling a different hole at a different processing location based on the duration interval and the temporal value.

A hydraulic torque wrench and a method of determining a load exerted on a workpiece by a hydraulic torque wrench. The wrench may generally include a housing; a drive element for engaging the workpiece; a drive actuator for transmitting a torque to the drive element; and a gauge coupled to at least one of the housing and the drive actuator, the gauge being configured to detect a characteristic indicative of a torque exerted by the drive element to the workpiece. The wrench may include a sensor configured to detect rotation of the drive element.

An impact wrench comprises dynamically tuned drive components, such as an anvil/socket combination. The drive components are dynamically tuned in view of inertia displacement, as well as stiffness between coupled components, and with regard to impact timing associated with clearance gaps between the component parts.

A torque control method and apparatus for bolt tightening within predetermined rounds are provided. The method includes the following steps: connecting a torque control apparatus between an air supply system and a torque tool; generating a plurality of flow sets by the torque control apparatus according to the maximum air consumption of the torque tool under loading; obtaining the highest and lowest working air pressures and the corresponding maximum and minimum torque values according to each flow set, thereby constructing a relation curve between a plurality of working air pressure values and torque values; and obtaining the maximum controlling range under a working air pressure condition that the torque tool can be normally operated according to a relation curve between a plurality of working air pressures and torque values.

The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as a torque screwdriver and ratchet tools, with one or more light indicators disposed in a ring shape around the tool. The light indicators are adapted to indicate amounts of torque values and/or angle values as the tool is used to tighten or install a work piece. For example, the light indicators may flash at a first flashing rate, when about 40% of a target torque or angle value is applied; flash at a second flashing rate (greater or faster than the first flashing rate) when about 60% of the target torque or angle value is applied; and illuminate at a solid state when about 80% of the target torque or angle value is applied.

An apparatus and control system of a programmable air servo motor includes an air servo motor and an air servo motor driver, which are bi-directionally communicable with each other via communication units. The air servo motor includes an air motor, a sensor module, and a brake module that is normally locked and can be unlocked or locked by the air servo motor driver. The air servo motor driver includes a control module, an actuation module and a communication module. After actuating the air servo motor, the air servo motor driver receives torque, rotational speed and angle signals output by the sensor module. The actuation module drives the air servo motor to stop emergently, switch between forward and reverse rotation, increase or reduce rotational speed, operate at a specific angle, move by inching and operate at controlled torque similar to an electric servo motor without the need of an encoder.