Patent ID: 7823458

Claim:
An apparatus for dynamically controlling output power of a pneumatic tool used to tighten a fastener during a tightening cycle, wherein the pneumatic tool is operated responsive to pressurized air delivered to the pneumatic tool at a supplied pressure, and wherein the apparatus comprises: an electronic control circuit coupled with the pneumatic tool, for receiving electrical signals from the pneumatic tool for making load measurements in the fastener; and an air pressure regulator coupled with the pneumatic tool, for regulating the air pressure of the pressurized air delivered to the pneumatic tool; wherein the electronic control circuit is coupled with the air pressure regulator for dynamically controlling the air pressure of the pressurized air delivered to the pneumatic tool during tightening of the fastener, and for stopping the pneumatic tool when the fastener has been tightened, responsive to the load measurements made in the fastener.