Torque angle sensing system and method with angle indication

Abstract

A device used for measuring the angle of torque beyond a specific reference point. The device is comprised of a tool that applies torque to a fastener, an adapter that is attached to the fastener to transfer the torque from the tool, and an apparatus that connects a first end to the tool and a second end to the adapter. The apparatus comprises an angle selector that is adjustable to the desired torque angle, an angle rate sensor that measures the speed and direction of the torque applied, a processor which calculates the current angle from the rate sensor measurements, a zero point indicator that serves as the basis point for the processor to calculate the selected angle, and an angle indicator that indicates the current angle of rotation.

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         25 . An apparatus for measuring an angle of rotation beyond a specific reference point comprising: 
 a housing that is configured to be located between a tool and a fastener;    a shaft that is configured to mate with the tool at a first end and a fastener at a second end, wherein the shaft is located within the housing;    an angular rate sensor located within the housing and linked to the shaft;    a potentiometer that is configured to be adjustable to differing degrees of torque angle, wherein the potentiometer is located within the housing;    a processor linked to the angular rate sensor and the potentiometer, wherein the processor is located within the housing.    
     
     
         26 . The apparatus as in  claim 25 , wherein the potentiometer adjusts the torque angle in 5 degree increments.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus as in  claim 25 , wherein the tool is a socket wrench.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus as in  claim 25 , wherein the angular rate sensor measures an output steady state voltage that is correlated to a speed and direction of a torque applied to the fastener via the shaft.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus as in  claim 28 , wherein the processor calculates the torque angle.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus as in  claim 29 , wherein the processor determines the torque angle by calculating an area underneath the measured voltage.  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus as in  claim 25 , further comprising a power source located within the housing and linked to the microprocessor.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus as in  claim 31 , wherein the power source is a battery.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus as in  claim 31 , further comprising a zero point device that is located in the housing and linked to the microprocessor.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus as in  claim 33 , further comprising a first angle indicator that is configured to activate upon reaching a derived torque angle.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus as in  claim 34 , wherein the first angle indicator is a light emitting diode.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus as in  claim 35 , wherein the angle indicator is configured to alert an operator when a current torque angle is within a specified range of the desired torque angle.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus as in  claim 36 , wherein the specific range is ten degrees.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus as in  claim 35 , further comprising an audio indicator that is configured to activate upon reaching the desired torque angle.  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus as in  claim 39 , further comprising a second angle indicator that is electrically connected at a distance to the apparatus such that the apparatus is not structurally attached.  
     
     
         40 . The apparatus as in  claim 30 , wherein the angular rate sensor transmits data to the microprocessor via wireless communications.  
     
     
         41 . The apparatus as in  claim 29 , wherein the wireless communications is infrared.