TWI838233B - Method and system of using usb user interface in electronic torque wrench - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication port interface facilitates charging of a power source, such as a battery, while the power source remains coupled to a tool. The communication port interface also facilitates downloading of torque and/or angle log information from an electronic torque tool to an external device. Torque and/or angle preset job information may be entered in client software and uploaded from the external device to the electronic torque tool via the communication port interface. Additional information including real time clock information and wrench system parameters may be uploaded to the electronic torque tool via the communication port interface.

Description

Method and system for using a USB user interface in an electronic torque wrench

The present application relates to a tool for applying torque to a workpiece. In particular, the present application relates to an electronic torque wrench configured to exchange data and settings with an external device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/888,685, filed May 7, 2013, entitled “Method and System of Using an USB User Interface in an Electronic Torque Wrench,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Precision tools, such as torque wrenches, are commonly used in automotive and industrial applications to apply a predetermined torque and/or angular displacement to a workpiece, such as a threaded fastener. The specific torque and/or angular displacement may be specified in a job specification or worksheet to be applied to each workpiece at the time of the operation. Precision tools are typically adjustable and may be manually configured to apply the specified torque and/or angular displacement to each workpiece at the time of the operation. Once the specified torque or angle setting is configured, the precision tool may prevent the user from exceeding the specified torque or angular displacement, for example, by activating a mechanical release between the force applicator or tool handle and the workpiece or tool head. Alternatively, the precision tool may simply indicate when the specified torque and/or angular displacement has been applied by providing, for example, a tactile, audible, or visual indication. For jobs involving numerous different torque and/or displacement specifications, the process of resetting the tool for each different specification can be time consuming and labor intensive, and introduces opportunities for error.

Precision tools, such as torque wrenches, are also commonly used to measure the torque applied and/or angular displacement applied to a workpiece. In many applications, the torque and/or angular displacement measurements obtained by the user using such precision tools are manually recorded in a logbook for quality assurance purposes. The process of manually recording measurements in a logbook is also time-consuming and labor-intensive, and introduces further opportunities for error.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic torque tool is configured with a universal serial bus (USB) interface. Client software can be executed on an external device such as a personal computer (PC) to import data sets for input into the electronic torque tool or receive measured data from the electronic torque tool via the USB interface. The USB interface can also be used to provide real-time clock settings, software updates, or other configuration information from the external device to the electronic torque tool.

A method according to one aspect of the invention includes inputting at least one set of preset operating parameters into a computing device such as a PC. The preset operating parameters may include at least one torque setting and/or angular displacement setting, and at least one identifier corresponding to the torque setting and/or angular displacement setting. The operating parameters may be transmitted from the computing device to the electronic torque wrench via a USB interface.

A method according to another aspect of the present invention includes storing a set of torque measurements in a memory of an electronic torque wrench and transmitting the set of torque measurements from the electronic torque wrench to an external computing device via a USB interface.

A method according to another aspect of the invention includes receiving real-time clock settings from a computing device via a USB interface and configuring a clock of an electronic torque wrench based on the real-time clock settings. A method according to another aspect of the invention includes receiving preset operating parameters, tool identifiers, tool system parameters and/or software updates to the electronic torque tool from a computing device via a USB interface.

A method according to another aspect of the invention includes charging a power supply connected to a tool. The method includes sending a first signal to the tool through a charger via a USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an ON position; and allowing power flow to the power supply through the USB cable. The method also includes measuring a voltage and a temperature of the power supply through the charger via the USB cable, and stopping the power flow when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold or the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds a temperature threshold.

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention; it should be understood that this document should be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments shown.

The present invention relates to incorporating a universal serial bus (USB) interface into a tool such as an electronic torque wrench suitable for applying torque to workpieces such as threaded fasteners, bolts and nuts to provide a computer interface for users and wrench manufacturers. To meet the needs of automotive, industrial applications or quality control, the electronic torque wrench can be pre-loaded with multiple sets of torque and/or angle working presets. One embodiment of the present invention includes a client software tool based on a personal computer (PC) for communicating with the electronic torque wrench. The PC-based client software tool utilizes a communication port interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a FireWire port, a serial port, a parallel port, an infrared port, a wireless port or a Thunderbolt (THUNDERBOLT ^™ ) port to assist in the operation of setting torque and/or angle.

According to one aspect of the invention, an electronic torque wrench has the ability to store torque and angle log information in an internal memory, such as a flash memory configured on the electronic torque wrench, indicating the corresponding torque or angular displacement applied to the workpiece. A method for downloading the log to a computer system for recording, archiving or quality audit purposes is also disclosed.

Referring to FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present invention, a tool suitable for applying torque to a workpiece, such as an electronic torque wrench 100, includes a processor 102 and a memory 104 connected to the processor. The tool 100 also includes an interface circuit 106, which is operably connected to a communication interface port 108, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a FireWire port, a serial port, a parallel port, an infrared port, a wireless port, or a Thunderbolt ^™ port. The interface circuit 106 and the memory 104 can be connected to the processor via one or more internal signal paths 110.

Processor 102 facilitates communication between the various components of tool 100 and controls the operation of the various electronic components of tool 100. According to one aspect of the present invention, memory 104 can store data or computer programs for use with tool 100. For example, memory 104 can be used to store preset torque and angle target values for use in automatic settings, or to store temporary torque and angle target values, for example. Without limitation, memory 104 can include a non-transitory computer readable recording medium such as a hard drive, DVD, CD, flash drive, volatile or non-volatile memory, RAM, or any other type of data storage.

The tool 100 may also include a user interface circuit 112 connected to the processor 102. The user interface circuit 112 may include a display 114 and one or more manual input devices 116, such as a set of buttons. Alternatively, the display 114 and the input device 116 may be integrated into a single device, such as a touch screen that performs both display and manual input functions. The user interface circuit 112 may also include one or more indicators 117, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), connected to the processor 102 to provide feedback to the user.

According to one aspect of the invention, the tool 100 further includes a torque sensor 118, such as a strain gauge or a load cell, connected to the processor 102, and the torque sensor 118 is suitable for measuring the amount of torque applied by the tool to the workpiece. The torque sensor 118 may include a signal conditioning circuit 120, such as an analog-to-digital converter circuit, for example, to convert the output signal of the analog strain gauge or load cell into a digital signal format suitable for input to or use by the processor 102. An angular displacement sensor 122 may be incorporated into the torque sensor 118 and is suitable for measuring the angular displacement of the workpiece, and may also be connected to the processor 102. The angular displacement sensor 122 may include, for example, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope.

A power supply 130 and a clock circuit 132 are also connected to the processor 102. The power supply 130 may include an electrical or power source, such as one or more batteries, fuel cells, or solar cells, etc. The clock circuit 132 may be configured to display time, provide time stamps for torque and angle measurements, and/or assist in timing various processes involved in, for example, a preset torque or angle job.

In one embodiment, the display 114 may display various information for the user to view and understand. For example, stored or real-time measurements of torque or angular displacement, preset values, or other text or graphical information. For example, the display 114 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a plasma screen, a cathode ray tube display, or any other type of black and white or color display that allows the user to view and understand information.

The indicator 117 may include a structure that indicates to the user visually, audibly, or by tactile means when a predetermined torque or angle target is reached. For example, the indicator 117 may include one or more LEDs and an LCD backlight that illuminate when a preset torque or angular displacement is reached. Alternatively, the indicator 117 may include a vibrating mechanism that vibrates when a preset torque or angular displacement is reached.

2 , according to one aspect of the invention, a tool such as an electronic torque wrench 202 (which may be the same as the electronic torque wrench 100) may be connected to an external device such as a personal computer 204, for example, using a standard interface connector such as a USB cable 206. This allows, for example, information such as preset operating parameters, calibration information, wrench system parameters, and wrench system software updates to be imported from the personal computer 204 into the electronic torque wrench 202. The connection between the electronic torque wrench 202 and the personal computer 204 also allows, for example, stored torque and/or angular displacement measurements representing torque and/or angular application to a workpiece to be downloaded from the electronic torque wrench 202 to a log of the personal computer.

2 and 3, the personal computer 204 can be configured to execute client software, which, for example, provides a graphical user interface for inputting setting information to configure a preset operation on the electronic torque wrench 202. The client software can be configured to present one or more display screens 302 to display the preset working settings to the user and/or one or more data input screens 304 to facilitate the input of new working settings or modify existing working settings in the data set. Several examples of preset working settings shown in FIG. 3 include a working identifier and a set of parameters corresponding to the working identifier, and the identifier can be a working number, or a preset name as shown in the figure. For each job identifier, the set of parameters may include, for example, a mode selection, a minimum torque setting, a maximum torque setting, a unit selection, a minimum angle setting, a maximum angle setting, a batch count, and a calibration factor. The mode selector is used to configure the electronic torque wrench in a specific mode, such as torque only mode, angle only mode, torque followed by angle mode, angle followed by torque mode, and simultaneous angle and torque mode.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process 400 according to one aspect of the present invention. The process can be performed by, for example, a user of a personal computer. As shown, the process 400 begins and proceeds to step 402, which includes inputting at least one set of preset operating parameters into a computing device such as a PC. The preset operating parameters may include at least one torque setting indicating the amount of torque that should be applied to the workpiece, and at least one identifier corresponding to the torque setting. In step 404, the method includes transmitting one or more setting values of the preset operating parameters from the computing device to the electronic torque wrench.

According to one aspect of the invention, the preset operating parameters may include at least one angular displacement setting corresponding to a torque setting, the angular displacement setting indicating the amount of angular displacement that should be applied to the workpiece. The preset operating parameters may also include a calibration factor corresponding to the torque setting. Other preset operating parameters that may be included in one or more sets of preset operating parameters according to aspects of the invention include, for example, a minimum torque setting, a maximum torque setting, a minimum angle setting, and a maximum angle setting corresponding to each job identifier.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a set of preset operating parameters includes a mode selector, wherein the mode selector can select a torque-only mode, an angle-only mode, a torque-following-angle mode, an angle-following-torque mode, or a simultaneous torque and angle mode.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a process 500 according to one aspect of the present invention. The process may be performed on a tool suitable for applying torque to a workpiece. The tool is, for example, an electronic torque wrench connected to a personal computer via a cable such as a universal serial bus (USB) cable, a firewire cable, a serial cable, a parallel cable, a wireless, an infrared cable, or a thunderbolt ^TM cable. As shown, the process 500 begins and proceeds to step 502, which includes storing a set of torque measurements in a memory of the electronic torque wrench. In step 504, the method includes transmitting the set of torque measurements from the electronic torque wrench to an external computing device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the set of torque measurements corresponds to a set of preset operating parameters stored in a memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to another aspect of the invention, transmitting the set of torque measurements from the electronic torque wrench to an external computing device includes transmitting the set of torque measurements representing the amount of torque applied to a workpiece by the torque wrench from the memory of the electronic torque wrench to a communication port of the electronic torque wrench, such as a USB port.

In step 506, the method includes storing a set of angular displacement measurements in a memory of the electronic torque wrench. The set of angular displacement measurements corresponds to a set of preset operating parameters stored in the memory of the electronic torque wrench. In step 508, the method includes transmitting the set of angular displacement measurements from the electronic torque wrench to an external computing device.

FIG6 is a flow chart showing a process 600 according to one aspect of the present invention. The process may be performed on a tool suitable for applying torque to a workpiece. The tool, for example, is an electronic torque wrench, including a communication port such as a USB port, and is connected to a personal computer via a communication cable such as a USB cable. As shown, the process 600 begins and proceeds to step 602, which includes receiving a real-time clock setting from a computing device. In one embodiment, the real-time clock may be used to time stamp data stored in the tool, such as stored torque measurements or stored angular displacement measurements. In box 604, the method includes configuring a clock of the electronic torque wrench based on the real-time clock setting.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a process 700 according to one aspect of the present invention. The process may be performed on a tool suitable for applying torque to a workpiece. The tool, for example, is an electronic torque wrench, including a communication port such as a USB port, and is connected to a personal computer via a communication cable such as a USB cable. As shown, the process 700 begins and proceeds to step 702, which includes receiving at least one set of preset operating parameters from a computing device. The preset operating parameters may include, for example, at least one torque setting and at least one identifier corresponding to the at least one torque setting. In step 704, the method includes storing the set of preset operating parameters in a memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to one aspect of the present invention, the set of preset operating parameters may include at least one angular displacement setting corresponding to the torque setting.

In step 706, the method includes: displaying the identifier on a display of the electronic torque wrench, and in step 708, the method includes: receiving user input to the electronic torque wrench. The user input may, for example, indicate a selection of the identifier. In step 710, the method includes configuring the electronic torque wrench using a torque setting corresponding to the selected identifier. In step 712, the method further includes configuring the electronic torque wrench using at least one angular displacement setting corresponding to the selected identifier.

According to one aspect of the invention, a tool-specific identifier, such as a serial number and/or model number, may be received from a computing device via a communication port, such as a USB port, configured on the electronic torque wrench. The tool-specific identifier may be stored in a memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to another aspect of the invention, a tool software update may be received into the electronic torque wrench via a communication port, such as a USB port, configured on the electronic torque wrench. The software update may be stored in the memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to another aspect of the invention, a set of wrench system parameters may be received into the electronic torque wrench via a communication port, such as a USB port, configured on the electronic torque wrench. The wrench system parameters may be stored in the memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to this aspect of the invention, the electronic torque wrench may be configured using wrench system parameters stored in a memory of the electronic torque wrench.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic torque tool includes a processor, a memory connected to the processor, a torque sensor connected to the processor, and an interface circuit connected to the processor, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface circuit. Instructions are stored in the memory and are executable by the processor to receive at least one set of preset operating parameters from a computing device via the interface circuit and store the set of preset operating parameters in the memory. According to some aspects of the present invention, the preset operating parameters may include at least one torque setting and at least one identifier corresponding to the torque setting. The instructions may further include instructions executable by the processor to store a set of torque measurements in the memory and transmit the set of torque measurements from the electronic torque tool to an external computing device via the interface circuit.

8, according to another aspect of the present invention, a tool such as an electronic torque wrench 100/202 can be connected to an external device 800 such as a charger using, for example, a standard interface connector such as a USB cable 206. As described above, the electronic torque wrench 100/202 can include a power source 130. In this embodiment, the power source 130 can be a rechargeable battery that can be removed from or integrated into the electronic torque wrench 100/202. The charger 800 can also be connected to an external power source 802, such as another battery, a generator, or a wall outlet. The USB cable 206 allows the charger to supply power from the external power source 802 to the power source 130 to charge the power source 130 without removing the power source 130 from the electronic torque wrench 100/202.

The charger 800 may also include a charger circuit including a circuit board and/or a charger processor and a memory 804. For example, the memory may be used to store preset thresholds and may include a non-transient computer-readable recording medium such as a hard drive, DVD, CD, flash drive, volatile or non-volatile memory, RAM, or any other type of data storage. The charger processor 804 facilitates communication between the various components of the charger 800 and controls the charging operation. For example, the charger processor 804 may monitor the voltage of the power source 130 via the USB cable 206. The charger processor 804 can also monitor the temperature of the power supply 130 via the USB cable 206 to detect when the power supply 130 is fully charged, and then the charger 800 can be shut down to prevent overcharging from damaging the power supply 130.

For example, the charger 800 (e.g., via the charger processor 804) can implement a control line in the USB cable 206 to measure the output of a thermistor embedded in the power supply 130 to measure temperature. The charger 800 (e.g., via the charger processor 804) can also implement another control line in the USB cable 206 to activate (or drive to the ON position) a switch 806 in the electronic torque wrench 100/202 to enable power/electrical flow to the power supply 130, thereby charging the power supply 130. This control line does not exist in a normal USB data connection, so the electronic torque wrench 100/202 can disable (drive to the OFF position) the switch 806 when the power supply is fully charged to stop charging and prevent damage to the power supply 130 due to overcharging of the electronic torque wrench 100/202.

Referring to FIG. 9 , according to another aspect of the present invention, a method 900 for charging a power supply connected to an electronic torque wrench 100/202 is shown. To begin a charging operation, the charger 800 is connected to the power supply 802 and the USB cable 206. The USB cable 206 is also connected to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 (e.g., via the communication interface port 108). The power supply 130 also remains connected to the electronic torque wrench 100/202.

At step 902, the charger 800 may measure a first voltage of the power source 130 via the USB cable 206, for example, using the charger processor 804. At step 904, the charger 800 may determine, for example, using the charger processor 804, whether the measured first voltage of the power source 130 substantially reaches a threshold voltage. At step 906, if the measured first voltage of the power source 130 substantially reaches the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may be turned off. This may include stopping the flow of power/electrical energy to the electronic torque wrench 100/202, and/or sending a signal via the USB cable 206 to disable (or drive to an off position) the switch 806.

At step 908, if the measured first voltage of the power source 130 does not substantially reach the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may be turned on and power/electrical flow to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 may be enabled to charge the power source 130. This may include sending a signal via the USB cable 206 to activate (or drive to an on position) the switch 806.

At step 910, the charger 800 may measure the second voltage of the power source 130 via the USB cable 206, for example, using the charger processor 804, and continue to measure the voltage in a feedback loop until the power source 130 is fully charged. For example, also at step 904, the charger 800 may determine whether the measured second voltage of the power source 130 substantially reaches the threshold voltage, for example, using the charger processor 804. At step 906, if the measured second voltage of the power source 130 substantially reaches the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may be turned off. At step 908, if the measured second voltage of the power source 130 does not substantially reach the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may continue to enable power/electrical flow to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 to charge the power source 130.

Referring to FIG. 10 , according to another aspect of the present invention, a method 1000 for charging a power supply connected to an electronic torque wrench 100/202 is shown. To begin a charging operation, the charger 800 is connected to the power supply 802 and the USB cable 206. The USB cable 206 is also connected to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 (e.g., via the communication interface port 108). The power supply 130 also remains connected to the electronic torque wrench 100/202. The method 900 and the method 1000 can be performed simultaneously to charge the power supply 130 and prevent damage to the power supply 130 due to overheating and/or overcharging.

At step 1002, the charger 800 may measure a first temperature of the power source 130. This may be measured, for example, by the charger 800 using the charger processor 804 to implement a control line in the USB cable 206 to receive the output of a thermistor embedded in the power source 130.

At step 1004, the charger 800 determines whether the measured first temperature of the power source 130 is greater than or substantially reaches a threshold temperature, for example, using the charger processor 804. At step 1006, if the measured first temperature of the power source 130 is greater than or substantially reaches a threshold voltage, the charger 800 may be shut down. This may include stopping the flow of power/electrical energy to the electronic torque wrench 100/202, and/or sending a signal via the USB cable 206 to disable (or drive to an off position) the switch 806.

At step 1008, if the measured first temperature of the power source 130 is less than or does not substantially reach the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may be turned on and power/electrical flow to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 may be enabled to charge the power source 130. This may include sending a signal via the USB cable 206 to activate (or drive to an on position) the switch 806.

For example, at step 1010, the charger 800 can measure the second temperature of the power source 130 via the USB cable 206 using the charger processor 804, and continue to measure the temperature in a feedback loop until the power source 130 is fully charged or reaches a threshold temperature. For example, also at step 1004, the charger 800 determines whether the measured second temperature of the power source 130 is greater than or substantially reaches the threshold temperature, for example using the charger processor 804. At step 1006, if the measured second temperature of the power source 130 is greater than or substantially reaches the threshold voltage, the charger 800 can be turned off. At step 1008, if the measured second temperature of the power source 130 is less than or has not substantially reached the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may continue to enable power/electrical flow to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 to charge the power source 130.

As described above, the tool 100 may be an electronic torque wrench. However, it should be understood that the tool 100 may also be any mechanism suitable for applying torque to a workpiece without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, without limitation, the precision tool 100 may be a ratchet wrench, an open-end wrench, an adjustable wrench, or any other tool capable of applying torque to a workpiece.

As used herein, the term "connected" or "communicably connected" may refer to any physical, electrical, magnetic or other connection between two parties, whether direct or indirect. The term "connected" is not limited to a fixed direct connection between two entities.

What has been set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is for purposes of illustration only and not limitation. Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the applicant's contribution. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined by the appended patent claims when viewed in proper perspective based on the prior art.

100: Electronic torque wrench/tool/precision tool 102: Processor 104: Memory 106: Interface circuit 108: Communication interface port 110: Internal signal path 112: User interface circuit 114: Display 116: Manual input device/input device 117: Indicator 118: Torque sensor 120: Signal conditioning circuit 122: Angular displacement sensor 130: Power supply 132: Clock circuit 202: Electronic torque wrench 204: Personal computer 206: USB cable 302: Display screen 304: Data input screen 400, 500, 600, 700: Process 402, 404, 502, 504, 506, 508, 602, 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010: Steps 604: Frame 800: External device/charger 802: External power source/power source 804: Memory/charger processor 806: Switch 900, 1000: Method

In order to facilitate the understanding of the subject matter to be protected, an embodiment thereof is shown in the accompanying drawings, and when considered in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter to be protected, and its structure, operation and many advantages will be easily understood and appreciated through the inspection of its embodiments, wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a torque tool according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a torque tool connected to an external device according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is an example of a graphical user interface for inputting setting information to configure a preset operation on an electronic torque wrench according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for inputting preset operating parameters for an electronic torque tool according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method for transmitting measured data from an electronic torque tool to an external device according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method for transmitting a real-time clock setting from an external device to an electronic torque tool according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method for transmitting preset operating parameters from an external device to an electronic torque tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a torque tool connected to an external device such as a charger according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method for charging a power supply connected to an electronic torque tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing another method for charging a power supply connected to an electronic torque tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the notes included in the description and the materials, dimensions and tolerances discussed therein are only suggestions, and a person having ordinary knowledge in the art should be able to modify these suggestions within the scope of the present invention.

100: Electronic torque wrench/tools/precision tools

130: Power supply

202: Electronic torque wrench

206:USB cable

800: External device/charger

802: External power/power supply

804: Memory/Charger Processor

806: Switch

Claims (16)

A method for charging a power source suitable for connecting to a power tool, the method comprising: a charger sending a first signal to the power tool via a first control line of a USB cable to drive a switch of the power tool to an on position; when the power source is connected to the power tool, allowing power to flow through the USB cable to the power source; the charger measuring the voltage of the power source via the USB cable; and when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold, the charger sending a second signal to the power tool via the first control line to drive the switch of the power tool to an off position. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: implementing a second control line in the USB cable using the charger, and measuring the temperature of the power source through the charger via the second control line; and stopping the power flow to the power source when the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds the temperature threshold. A method as described in claim 2, wherein measuring the temperature of the power source via the second control line includes receiving the output of a thermistor embedded in the power source by the charger. A system for charging a power source, the system comprising: a tool; a power source adapted to be detachably connected to the tool; a charger adapted to supply power to the power source from an external power source when the power source is connected to the tool; and a USB cable connected to the tool and the charger, wherein the charger is adapted to: send a first signal to the tool via a first control line of the USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an on position; allow power to flow through the USB cable to the power source connected to the tool; measure a voltage of the power source via the USB cable; and when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold, send a second signal to the tool via the first control line to drive the switch of the tool to an off position. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the charger is further adapted to: implement a second control line in the USB cable and measure the temperature of the power source via the second control line; and stop the flow of power to the power source when the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds a temperature threshold. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the charger is adapted to measure the temperature of the power source via the second control line by receiving the output of a thermistor embedded in the power source. A method for charging a power supply connected to an electronic tool, the electronic tool being adapted to apply torque to a workpiece, the method comprising: a charger sending a first signal to the electronic tool via a first control line of a USB cable to drive a switch of the electronic tool to an on position; allowing power to flow through the USB cable to the power supply; implementing a second control line in the USB cable by the charger, and the charger measuring a voltage of the power supply via the second control line of the USB cable; and stopping the power flow when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold. The method of claim 7, wherein stopping the power flow comprises: the charger sending a second signal to the electronic tool via the USB cable to drive the switch of the electronic tool to an off position. The method as described in claim 7, wherein stopping the power flow includes: the charger stopping the power flow. The method as described in claim 7 further includes: the charger measures the temperature of the power source via the USB cable; and when the measured voltage substantially reaches the voltage threshold or the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds the temperature threshold, the power flow is stopped. The method of claim 10, wherein stopping the power flow comprises: the charger sending a second signal to the electronic tool via the USB cable to drive the switch of the electronic tool to an off position. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein stopping the power flow comprises: the charger stopping the power flow. The method of claim 10, wherein the charger measures the temperature of the power source including: implementing a control line in the USB cable through the charger. A method for charging a power supply connected to an electronic tool, the electronic tool being adapted to apply torque to a workpiece, the method comprising: a charger sending a first signal to the electronic tool via a first control line of a USB cable to drive a switch of the electronic tool to an on position; allowing power to flow through the USB cable to the power supply; implementing a second control line in the USB cable by the charger, and the charger measuring a temperature of the power supply via the second control line of the USB cable; and stopping the power flow when the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds a temperature threshold. The method of claim 14, wherein stopping the power flow comprises: the charger sending a second signal to the electronic tool via the USB cable to drive the switch of the electronic tool to an off position. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein stopping the power flow comprises: the charger stopping the power flow.

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