AU3195999A - Cordless, high torque power tool - Google Patents

Description

WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 -1 Description CORDLESS, HIGH TORQUE POWER TOOL Technical Field This invention is related generally to portable power tools, and in particular to a battery-powered torque wrench. 5 Background Art There are many tools available for providing a force (torque) that acts to drive a rotary load. Torque is required in a variety of applications such as turning a winch on a sailboat, a jack for lifting a car or truck, a trailer 10 winch, a high torque drill bit, a high torque impact wrench and the like. Conventional heavy duty, high torque power drive tools are energized from a fixed power source, either electrical or mechanical, which limits portability. For example, some power tools use an extension power cable for 15 connection to a remote electrical power outlet. In other power tools, heavy internal combustion engines are utilized. But those tools cannot be easily moved or handled. The connection to a fixed electrical power supply limits the useful range, and an internal combustion engine adds 20 considerable weight and size to the power tool. Such conventional power tools cannot be used in all applications. For example, in sailboats the sails are raised WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 -2 manually by a mechanical winch. The raising and lowering of the sails can be very tedious and laborious work. However, electrically powered winches are not practical in such applications that require an electrical cable to supply 5 operating power from a compatible source. Motorized winches are much too large, heavy and expensive. Additionally, the size of a powered winch must be minimized for use within the limited deck space available on a sailboat. In another example, a power tool may be needed when 10 tightening and loosening nuts and bolts on heavy equipment and machinery. Conventional power tools are much too large or must be tethered to electrical power outlets, making them impractical for use in remote locations. A conventional power tool is disclosed in U.S. 15 Patent 5,386,970 to Trant. According to Trant, a power handle for rotating the capstan of a manual winch includes a housing, a motor, a star stub for engaging and rotating the capstan relative to the housing, and a gear reduction unit for connecting the motor to the star stub. Additionally, the 20 handle is connected by an electrical power cable to an electrical power supply. Trant does not disclose a com pletely portable power drive device since the Trant power tool must be energized from a remote power source through an electrical power cable. 25 Some conventional power tools utilize a recharge able battery, for example cordless drills, screwdrivers and saws. However, those tools lack sufficient power to handle WO99Y49553 PCT/US99/06138 -3 high torque, heavy duty power drive applications. Conse quently, there is a continuing interest in providing a battery-operated, high torque, portable power tool for use in confined areas or at a remote location where an electrical 5 power supply is not readily available. Disclosure of the Invention The portable power tool of the present invention includes a DC electric motor and a speed reduction assembly for providing torque to a rotary load. The speed reduction 10 assembly includes a sleeve coupling for engaging and driving the load. The coupling sleeve is driven by a gearing system for rotating the rotary sleeve coupling and includes a first sleeve coupling portion and a second sleeve coupling portion. In one embodiment, the gearing system includes a first bevel 15 gear meshing with a second bevel gear for rotating the sleeve coupling in a right angle offset power transmission arrange ment. The second bevel gear is rigidly attached to the rotary coupling sleeve coupling, which is offset for turning a rotary load at a right angle with respect to the in-line 20 power axis of the DC electric motor. In a second embodiment, the gearing system includes a worm gear and a driven gear rigidly attached to the rotary sleeve coupling. The output shaft of the speed reduction assembly is coupled in axial alignment with the output shaft of the 25 DC electric motor. Additionally, the output shaft of the drive reducer is coupled in torque transfer engagement with WO9949553 PCT/US99/06138 -4 the output shaft of the speed reducer, but extends orthogo nally with respect thereto. This offset torque transfer arrangement makes possible the efficient transfer of torque through a rotary coupling that extends substantially at a 5 right angle and laterally to either side of the main drive axis of the electric drive motor. This offset arrangement can be used advantageously for many applications where a conventional in-line torque transfer tool (for example as shown in U.S. Patent 5,386,970) would require an adapter to 10 perform the same job. The offset torque transfer arrangement of the present invention includes a first bearing supporting the first sleeve coupling portion of the rotary sleeve coupling and a second bearing supporting the second sleeve coupling 15 portion. In addition, the portable power tool includes a first bearing support member having a first opening that surrounds and supports the first bearing and a second bearing support member having a second opening surrounding and supporting the second bearing. 20 Brief Description of the Drawing Various advantages and operational features of the invention will be understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the appended claims and 25 with reference to the attached drawing in which: WO99749553 PCT/US99/06138 -5 FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a portable power tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a top plan view thereof; 5 FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view thereof; FIGURE 4 is a side perspective view thereof; FIGURE 5 is a front elevation view thereof; FIGURE 6 is a rear elevation view thereof; FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view of a portable 10 power tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 8 is a top plan view; FIGURE 9 is a bottom plan view thereof; FIGURE 10 is a side perspective view thereof; 15 FIGURE 11 is a front elevation view thereof; FIGURE 12 is a rear elevation view thereof; FIGURE 13 illustrates a cut-away view thereof; FIGURE 14 is a cut-away view of the head module and the output power shaft taken along the line 14-14 of FIGURE 20 13; FIGURE 15 is a cut-away view of the worm gear and the driven gear taken along the line 15-15 of FIGURE 16; FIGURE 16 is a cut-away view of the main housing and the head module in the second embodiment of the present 25 invention; FIGURE 17 illustrates a perspective view of my high torque power tool as used for rotating a winch on a sailboat; WO90/49553 PCT/US99/06138 -6 FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of my high torque power tool as used for operating an automobile jack; FIGURE 19 is a perspective view which illustrates the use of my portable power tool for driving a trailer 5 winch; FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of my high torque power tool as used for driving a high torque drill chuck; and, FIGURE 21 is a perspective view of my high torque 10 power tool as used for driving a high torque impact wrench. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention FIGURE 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a portable power tool 20 constructed according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The portable 15 power tool 20 includes a main housing 22, a handle 24, a trigger assembly 26, a head module 28, and a battery recepta cle 30. Referring to FIGURE 13, a battery 32 is attached to the battery receptacle 30. The battery is preferably a 20 rechargeable 18 VDC battery such as those commonly used in other portable power tools (e.g., cordless drills and screwdrivers). Terminal conductors 34 and 36 are connected to the battery 32 at the receptacle 30. The terminal conductors 34 25 and 36 provide positive and negative D.C. voltage to a stator winding of a motor 38 located within the main housing WO 99749553 PCT/US99/06138 -7 22. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor 38 is energized by 18 VDC and is rated at 2/10 horsepower (150 watts) or 1.2 kg-calories/min. at 19,500 rpm. The motor 38 includes a rotor output shaft 39 5 connected to a two-speed planetary gear reduction assembly 40 with speed reduction ratios of about 14:1 and 43:1. The planetary gear drives an output power shaft 42 located on an upper end of the main housing 22 between the motor 38 and the head module 28. The output power shaft 42 is supported by 10 a bearing 44 allowing rotation about an X axis (longitudinal) of the output shaft 42. In low speed operation, the gear reduction ratio is preferably 14:1. With this ratio, the motor 38 produces 3,300 inch-pounds (38 m-kgs) of torque at a gear reduction output speed of 120 rpm. 15 The output power shaft 42 is terminated by a bevel gearing system 46. The bevel gearing system 46 includes a bevel gear 48 rigidly attached to the output power shaft 42 and a bevel gear 50. Both the bevel gear 48 and the bevel gear 50 have teeth which mesh with one another for transmit 20 ting rotary motion from one shaft to another. The bevel gear 48 is essentially in line with the bevel gear 50. Rotation of the output shaft 42 provides rotation of the bevel gear 48. The bevel gear 50 is rigidly attached to a rotary sleeve coupling 52. The rotary sleeve coupling 52 is fitted within 25 a longitudinal bore located within the center of the bevel gear 50. The bevel gear 50 and the rotary sleeve coupling WO99749553 PCTIUS99/06138 -8 rotate about a Y axis which is perpendicular to the longitu dinal axis X of the output power shaft 42. FIGURE 14 is a cut-away view of the head module 28 and the output power shaft 42 in the preferred embodiment of 5 the present invention. The head module 28 includes an upper bearing support member 54 and a lower bearing support member 56. The upper bearing support member 54 includes an opening 55 which supports an upper bearing 58. The upper bearing 58 surrounds an upper portion of the rotary sleeve coupling 52, 10 allowing rotation of the bevel gear 50 about the Y axis. The upper bearing support member 54 supports the upper bearing 58 above the bevel gear 50. The lower bearing support member 56 is constructed similar to the upper bearing support member 54. The lower 15 bearing support member 56 has an opening 57 which surrounds a lower bearing 60. The lower bearing 60 surrounds a lower portion of the rotary sleeve coupling 52, allowing the rotation of the bevel gear 50 about the Y axis. The lower bearing support member 56 supports the lower bearing 60 below 20 the bevel gear 50. According to this arrangement, the bevel gear 50 is attached to the rotary sleeve coupling 52 between the upper bearing 58 and the lower bearing 60. As the bevel gear 48 is driven by the output power shaft 42, the bevel gear 50 rotates about the Y axis. The 25 rotation of the bevel gear 50 rotates the rotary sleeve coupling 52. The rotary sleeve coupling 50 may then be attached to the input shaft of a rotary load. In the WO99749553 PCT/US99/06138 -9 preferred embodiment, an adapter (not shown) is inserted into the rotary sleeve coupling 50 to accommodate different shaft sizes. The bevel gearing assembly 46 transmits the torque 5 from the X axis to the Y axis. The unique bearing arrange ment, located on opposite sides of the bevel gear 50, provides a powerful means for transmitting the torque from the in-line X axis to the offset Y axis. Referring again to FIGURE 13, the trigger assembly 10 26 includes a trigger switch 62 connected to a switch 64 within the handle 24. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trigger switch 62 is used as a three position switch to turn the portable power drive on and off. The third position of the trigger switch 62 reverses the 15 direction of rotation of the output power shaft 42, thereby reversing the rotation of the rotary sleeve coupling 52. By positioning the trigger switch to the on or reverse position, the switch 64 is actuated, thereby allowing current from the battery 32 to power the motor 38. 20 Referring to FIGURES 13 and 14, the operation of the portable power tool 20 will now be explained. Prior to use of the portable power tool 20, the battery 32 is charged in a separate recharging unit connected to an electrical supply (not shown). Once charged, the battery 32 is inserted 25 into the battery receptacle 30. The portable power tool 20 is attached to the rotary load shaft of an equipment, such as a winch. The operator then actuates the portable power WO 99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 -10 tool 20 by depressing the trigger switch 62 to the on position. The actuation of the trigger switch 62 allows the switch 64 to connect current from the battery 32 to the motor 5 38 through the terminal conductors 34 and 36. The motor 38 then begins to drive the output power shaft 42 along the in line X axis. The rotation of the output power shaft 42 results in the rotation of the bevel gear 48. The bevel gear 48 drives the bevel gear 50, causing the bevel gear 50 to 10 rotate about the offset Y axis. Rotation of the bevel gear 50 drives the rotation of the shaft of the object within the rotary sleeve coupling 52. If rotation about the offset Y axis is desired in reverse, the operator actuates the third position on the 15 trigger switch 62. The switch then reverses the current flow to the motor 38, resulting in the motor 38 driving the output power shaft 42 in the opposite direction. This reverse rotation is translated to the bevel gear 48 which turns the bevel gear 50 in the opposite direction about the Y axis. 20 FIGURE 16 is a cut-away view of the main housing 22 and the head module 28 in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. A portable power tool 66 of this alter nate embodiment uses a different gearing arrangement for rotating the sleeve coupling 50. However, all other compo 25 nents described for the portable power tool 20 remain the same for the portable power tool 66. The portable power tool 66 includes a worm gear system 68 which includes a worm gear WO 99749553 PCT/US99/06138 -11 70 and a driven gear 72. The worm gear 70 has a single spiral ridge which meshes with the driven gear 72. The driven gear 72 is offset to enable the meshing of the worm gear 70 with the driven gear 72, and provides a speed 5 reduction of 10:1 on the driven gear 72. As a result, an overall 140:1 or a 430:1 output shaft to motor speed reduc tion is provided by this arrangement. This corresponds to an output torque ratio of 1:1090 in-lbf (1:12.6 m-kgs) in high speed operation or 1:3300 in-lbf (1:38 m-kgs) in low 10 speed operation as calculated from the motor to the output shaft. When the motor 38 is actuated, the motor 38 rotates the output power shaft 42 about the in-line X axis. Attached to the terminal end of the output power shaft 42 is the worm 15 gear 70. Rotation of the output power shaft 42 results in the turning movement of the worm gear 70. The driven gear 72 is rigidly attached to the rotary sleeve coupling 52. FIGURE 15 is a cut away view of the worm gear 70 and the driven gear 72 in the alternative embodiment of the 20 present invention. As the worm gear 70 rotates, the spiral tooth of the worm gear 70 turns the driven gear 72 in a rotation about the offset Y axis. As discussed above, the upper bearing support member 54 has an opening that surrounds an upper bearing 74. The upper bearing 74 surrounds an upper 25 portion of the rotary sleeve coupling 52. Additionally, the upper bearing support member 54 supports the upper bearing 74 above the driven gear 72.

WO99749553 PCTIUS99/06138 -12 The lower bearing support member 56 also has an opening which surrounds a lower bearing 76. The lower bearing 76 surrounds a lower portion of the rotary sleeve coupling 52, which allows the driven gear 72 to rotate about 5 the offset Y axis. The lower bearing support member 56 supports the lower bearing 76 below the driven gear 72. As with the bevel gearing system 46, the worm gear system 68 transmits the torque from the in-line X axis to the offset Y axis. The unique bearing alignment, present in both the 10 bevel gearing system 46 and the worm gear system 68, provides an efficient means for transmitting the torque output from the X axis to the Y axis. Referring to FIGURES 15 and 16, the operation of the portable power tool 66 will be described. A shaft of a 15 rotary load to be driven by the portable power tool 66 is inserted into the rotary coupling sleeve 52. In similar fashion to the portable power tool 20, the portable power tool 66 is selectively energized by the trigger switch 62. The motor 38 then drives the output power shaft 42, causing 20 the rotation of the worm gear 70. The worm gear 70 drives the rotation of the driven gear 72 about the offset Y axis. Industrial Applicability The portable power tool of the present invention provides many benefits. First, it is portable, with a small, 25 lightweight rechargeable battery power supply removably attached to the power handle housing. Second, since a WO99749553 PCT/US99/06138 -13 rechargeable battery is utilized, the size of the portable power tool is minimized for use in small areas. Third, through the use of the novel alignment of the bearings and offset gearing arrangements described above, the portable 5 power tool provides an efficient transfer of torque from the in-line axis to an offset axis. In one application, the high toque drive tool 66 of my invention is used to turn a winch on a sailboat. As shown in FIGURE 17, the power tool is provided with a star 10 shaped male adapter 90 which can be inserted at a shaft end 92 into the female shaft adapter opening 86a of my high torque power tool 66. A star-shaped male shaft 94 is inserted into the star-shaped female opening of a conven tional winch. Rotation of the star-shaped female opening on 15 the winch by the star-shaped male shaft 94 driven by the switch activated DC electric motor through the speed reducer and drive reducer 70 causes the winch on the sailboat to rotate at the high torque levels required to manipulate the lines on a sailboat. 20 In another application shown in FIGURE 18, my high torque power tool 66 is used to turn a screw type bottle jack 100 in order to lift a car or truck to change a tire. The jack 100 has a rotatable coupling 186. A jack adapter 190 has a shaft end 192 which is insertable into opening 86a of 25 the high torque power tool 66. At a second end 194, the jack adapter 190 is insertable into opening 186 on the jack 100. Rotation of the coupling 186 on the jack 100 by the jack WO99749553 PCT/US99/06138 -14 adapter 190 causes the jack to extend vertically in response to the high torque applied to lift the car or truck to change the tire. While use of my invention with a screw type bottle jack has been described, it will be appreciated that my high 5 torque power tool 66 can be used with a scissors jack or hydraulic pump jack that requires a rotating power source. In another application shown in FIGURE 19, my power tool 66 is used to drive a trailer winch 200. The trailer winch 200 is a stationary hoisting attached to a trailer 10 having a drum 205 around which is wound a rope or a chain 207 which can be fastened to an object to be pulled or hoisted. The trailer winch 200 has a rotatable pinion gear 206 which is attached to an outwardly extending power input shaft (not shown). The pinion gear has teeth 206a that mesh in driving 15 engagement with teeth 205a of drum 205. An adapter 290 is provided with a shaft 292 which can be inserted into the female opening 86a of the high torque power tool 66. The adapter 290 is also provided with a socket 294 which can receive an outwardly extending power. Rotation of gear 206 20 on the trailer winch 200 by the adapter 290 causes the drum 205 to rotate under the action of the high torque as required to wind or unwind rope or chain 207, thereby causing a load connected to the free end of the rope or chain 207 to be hoisted or lowered with respect to the trailer winch assem 25 bly. In FIGURE 20 is shown yet another application of my invention where the high torque power tool 66 is used to WO99149553 PCT/US99/06138 -15 drive a drill chuck 400. In this arrangement, a shaft 492 of drill chuck 400 is insertable within the female opening 86a of the high torque power tool 66 in a torque transmitting engagement. Means for locking shaft 492 to opening 86a can 5 be adapted to opening 86a or shaft 492 to provide an even tighter fit between shaft and opening. A mouthpiece 494 of a drill chuck 400 is adapted to receive a drill or other bit. Rotation of chuck 490 causes the drill bit to be rotated under the action of the high torque as required to perform 10 the drilling operation. In FIGURE 21 is shown still another application of my invention where the high torque power tool 66 is used to drive an impact wrench 500. In this arrangement, the power input shaft 592 of the impact wrench 500 is received within 15 the female opening 86a of the high torque power tool 66. Means for locking shaft 592 within the opening 86a can be adapted to opening 86a or shaft 592 to provide an even tighter fit between shaft and opening. Shaft 594 of the impact wrench 500 is adapted to receive a socket wrench (not 20 shown). Rotation of the shaft 594 of impact wrench 500 causes the impact wrench shaft 594 to be rotated under the action of high torque. One particularly desirable use for my invention is to turn a lug nut on a car or other vehicle. Lug nuts are 25 typically used to mount a tire to a wheel mount on the car. A bar with a lug nut socket is typically used to break these lug nuts to remove the lug nuts or to tighten these lug nuts WO99149553 PCT/US99/06138 -16 as the case may be in order to remove the tire from the vehicle. Lug nuts can be difficult to break especially if they mounted by a vehicle shop using an air compressor socket tool. For a motorist experiencing a flat tire on the road, 5 the difficulty in breaking the lug nuts can be a problem and may even prevent the motorist from changing the flat tire. With my high torque power tool, which because of its porta bility can easily be carried in a vehicle, breaking the lug nuts is no longer a problem. Of course, an appropriate 10 adapter having a lug nut socket on one end and adaptable to my high torque power tool on the other end would be needed for this application. Moreover, my high torque power tool replaces the manual lug nut socket that is provided in most vehicles for tire changing purposes.

Claims (12)

1. A portable power tool for applying torque to a rotary load, the portable power drive comprising: a rotary sleeve coupling for connection to a rotary load, the rotary sleeve coupling including a first 5 sleeve coupling portion and a second sleeve coupling portion; a gearing assembly connected to the rotary sleeve coupling for rotating the rotary sleeve coupling; a first bearing supporting the first sleeve coupling portion for rotation; 10 a second bearing supporting the second sleeve coupling portion for rotation; a first bearing support member having a first opening, the first bearing being disposed within the first opening and supported by the first bearing support member; 15 a second bearing support member having a second opening, the second bearing being disposed within the second opening and supported by the second bearing support member; an output power shaft coupled to the gearing 20 assembly for driving the gearing assembly between the first bearing and second bearing; a D.C. electrical motor coupled to the output power shaft; and a battery coupled to the motor for supplying 25 electrical operating power. WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 -18

2. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gearing assembly comprises a first bevel gear meshed with a second bevel gear, the first bevel gear being attached to the rotary sleeve coupling and the second bevel 5 gear being attached to the output power shaft.

3. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a third bearing surrounding the output power shaft.

4. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 10 1, wherein the battery is rechargeable.

5. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a handle and a trigger switch mounted on the handle, the trigger switch being electrically coupled to the battery for energizing the motor. 15

6. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the switch is a three position switch providing reversal of the motor.

7. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a gear reduction assembly coupled 20 between the motor and the power output shaft. WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 -19

8. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gearing assembly is a worm gear assembly including a driven gear meshed with a worm gear, the driven gear being rigidly attached to the rotary sleeve coupling. 5

9. A portable power tool for applying torque to a rotary load, the portable power tool comprising: a rotary sleeve coupling for connection to a rotary load, the rotary sleeve coupling having a first end portion, a second end portion and a body portion disposed 10 between the first and second end portions; a gearing assembly coupled to the body portion for rotating the rotary sleeve coupling; a first bearing supporting and surrounding the first end portion of the rotary sleeve coupling; 15 a second bearing supporting the second end portion of the rotary sleeve coupling; a first bearing support member having a first opening, the first bearing being disposed within the first opening and supported by the first bearing support member; 20 a second bearing support member having a second opening, the second bearing being disposed within the second opening and supported by the second bearing support member; a power shaft coupled to the gearing assembly; 25 a DC motor coupled to the power shaft for rotating the gearing assembly; and WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 -20 a battery coupled to the DC motor for supply ing operating power to the motor.

10. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 5 9, wherein the gearing assembly is a bevel gearing system including a first bevel gear connected to the rotary sleeve body portion and a second bevel gear, the second bevel gear being disposed in mesh engagement with the first bevel gear and being attached to the output power shaft. 10

11. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 9, wherein the gearing assembly is a worm gear assembly having a driven gear rigidly attached to the rotary sleeve body portion and a worm gear disposed in mesh engagement with the driven gear, the worm gear also being attached to the 15 output power shaft.

12. A hand-held, battery powered high torque power tool comprising; a housing; a DC battery power pack removably coupled to 20 the housing; a DC electric motor contained within the housing and electrically connected to the DC power pack through an activation switch, the electric motor including a rotary power output shaft; WO99149553 PCT/1US99/06138 -21 a speed reducer contained within the housing, the speed reducer including a rotary output shaft mechani cally coupled in axial alignment and in torque transfer engagement with the power output shaft of the DC electric 5 motor; a drive reducer contained within said housing, the drive reducer including a rotary output shaft extending substantially orthogonally to and coupled in torque transfer engagement with the output shaft of the speed reducer; and, 10 an adapter for releasably engaging a rotary load, the adapter being coupled in torque transfer engagement with the output shaft of the drive reducer. WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 - 22 AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 28 August 1999 (28.08.99); original claims 1-11 amended; remaining claim unchanged (5 pages)] 1. A portable power tool for applying torque to a rotary load, the portable power tool comprising: a torque sleeve adapted for connection to a rotary load, the torque sleeve including a first end coupling 5 portion, a second end coupling portion and an intermediate coupling portion; a gearing assembly connected to the intermediate coupling portion for rotating the torque sleeve in alignment with a load axis; 10 a first bearing member supporting the first end coupling portion for rotation in alignment with the load axis; a second bearing member supporting the second end coupling portion for rotation in alignment with the load 15 axis; a D.C. electrical motor including a power output shaft; and, torque transfer apparatus including a torque input shaft disposed in axial alignment and coupled in torque 20 transfer engagement with the power output shaft of the D.C. electric motor, and including a torque output shaft extending substantially orthogonal to the load axis and coupled in torque transfer engagement with the gearing assembly. 25 WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 - 23 2. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gearing assembly comprises a first bevel gear meshed with a second bevel gear, the first bevel gear is attached to the intermediate sleeve coupling portion and the 5 second bevel gear is attached to the output power shaft. 3. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a third bearing supporting the torque output shaft. 4. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 10 1, including a D.C. battery power pack electrically coupled to the electrical motor. 5. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a handle and a trigger switch mounted on the handle, the trigger switch being electrically coupled 15 to the motor for selectively applying electrical power to the motor. 6. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 5, wherein the trigger switch is a three position switch providing reversal of the motor. WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 - 24 7. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a gear reduction assembly coupled between the motor and the torque output shaft. 8. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 5 1, wherein the gearing assembly is a worm gear assembly including a driven gear meshed with a worm gear, and the driven gear is attached to the intermediate coupling portion. 9. A portable power tool for applying torque to a rotary load, the portable power tool comprising: 10 a rotary sleeve coupling adapted for connec tion to a rotary load, the rotary sleeve coupling including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a body portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; 15 a gearing assembly coupled to the body portion for rotating the rotary sleeve coupling; a first bearing supporting and surrounding the first end portion of the rotary sleeve coupling; a second bearing supporting the second end 20 portion of the rotary sleeve coupling; a first bearing support member having a first opening, the first bearing being disposed within the first opening and supported by the first bearing support member; A ACInrEn .LcET IADTI(I P 1Q0 WO99749553 PCT/US99/06138 - 25 a second bearing support member having a second opening, the second bearing being disposed within the second opening and supported by the second bearing support member; 5 a power shaft coupled to the gearing assembly; a DC motor coupled to the power shaft for rotating the gearing assembly; and a battery pack removably coupled to the DC motor for supplying operating power to the motor. 10 10. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 9, wherein the gearing assembly is a bevel gearing system including a first bevel gear connected to the rotary sleeve body portion and a second bevel gear disposed in mesh 15 engagement with the first bevel gear, and the second bevel gear is coupled to the output power shaft. 11. A portable power tool as set forth in claim 9, wherein the gearing assembly is a worm gear assembly including a driven gear attached to the rotary sleeve body 20 portion and a worm gear disposed in mesh engagement with the driven gear, and the worm gear also is coupled to the output power shaft. 12. A hand-held, battery powered high torque power tool comprising; 25 a housing; AMACinfn QCLEET IADTII i n WO99/49553 PCT/US99/06138 - 26 a DC battery power pack removably coupled to the housing; a DC electric motor contained within the housing and electrically connected to the DC power pack 5 through an activation switch, the electric motor including a rotary power output shaft; a speed reducer contained within the housing, the speed reducer including a rotary output shaft mechani cally coupled in axial alignment and in torque transfer 10 engagement with the power output shaft of the DC electric motor; a drive reducer contained within said housing, the drive reducer including a rotary output shaft extending substantially orthogonally to and coupled in torque transfer 15 engagement with the output shaft of the speed reducer; and, an adapter for releasably engaging a rotary load, the adapter being coupled in torque transfer engagement with the output shaft of the drive reducer. ANAKIrM D WiC T IADTIPIc nx