Method for operating a torque system configured to tighten a series of fasteners

US7984657B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Lynn Ann DeRose · Gloversville, US
• Janet Sue Bennett · Scotia, US
• James Nelson Bratton · Cary, US
• Michael Orlando Cimini · Lancaster, US
• Douglas Forman · Niskayuna, US
• Brandon Stephen Good · Niskayuna, US
• Morgan Frederic Intrator · Nashville, US
• Lee Roy LaPierre · Woburn, US
• Gregory A. Richardson · Holton, US
• Craig Douglas Young · Blanchester, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 17, 2006
• Grant date: Jul 26, 2011
• Expiry date: May 26, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16B31/02
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A wireless-enabled tightening system for fasteners is disclosed. The system includes a visual designator configured to project an indicator onto a workpiece. The system also includes a torque wrench comprising a wireless transmitter and a means for identifying whether the correct torque has been applied to a fastener on the workpiece and configured to provide a feedback for a user. The system also includes a camera configured to capture an image of the workpiece when an appropriate amount of torque has been applied to the fastener. The system further includes a microprocessor for determining sequence of the fastener and identifying the tightened fastener.