TORQUE TOOL WITH USE LIMITER

摘要

A torque tool having a visible indicator indicating that a predetermined number of usages of the torque tool has occurred. The indicator is carried on a movable platform which is moved into alignment with a window in the housing of the torque tool by a gearing assembly ultimately driven by a torque shaft for applying torque to a fastener. The gearing assembly includes gears extending along less than the full extent of the gear, so that a point is reached wherein at least one of the gears disengages from another gear, such that further rotation of the last gear does not occur. The indicator is eventually displayed to signal exhaustion of permissible usages, but is not moved further to conceal the indicator by disengagement of at least one gear from another.

主权项

1. A torque tool having a torque shaft for applying a predetermined torque to an object and having a predetermined usable service life, the torque tool comprising:
a torque shaft and torque limiting components acting on the torque shaft to limit torque applied thereby; and a use limiter discouraging the torque tool from being used after the predetermined usable service life has expired.