TWI803830B - 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 tools for applying torque to a workpiece. In particular, the present application relates to an electronic torque wrench configured for exchanging data and settings with an external device.

Cross References to Related Applications This application is Serial No. 13/888,685, entitled "Method and System of Using an USB User Interface in an Electronic Torque Wrench," filed May 7, 2013 Continuation-in-Part of US Patent Application, the contents of which are hereby incorporated 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. Specific torques and/or angular displacements may be specified at job time in job specifications or work sheets to be applied to each workpiece. Precision tools are often adjustable and can be manually configured to apply a specified torque and/or angular displacement to each workpiece while the job is in progress. Once configured with a specified torque or angle setting, the precision tool prevents the user from exceeding the specified torque or angular displacement by, for example, activating a mechanical release located between the force applicator or tool handle and the workpiece or tool head. Alternatively, the precision tool may be simply indicated by providing, for example, a tactile, audible or visual indication when a specified torque and/or angular displacement has been applied. For jobs involving many different torque and/or displacement specifications, the process of resetting the tool for each different specification can be time consuming and laborious, and introduces opportunities for error.

Precision tools, such as torque wrenches, are also commonly used to measure applied torque and/or angular displacement applied to a workpiece. In many applications, torque and/or angular displacement measurements obtained by users using such precision tools are manually recorded in logs for quality assurance. The process of manually recording measurements in a log is also time consuming and laborious, and further introduces 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 may be executed on an external device, such as a personal computer (PC), to import data sets for input into the electronic torque tool, or to receive measured data from the electronic torque tool via a USB interface. The USB interface can also be used to provide real-time clock settings, software updates, or other configuration information from external devices to the electronic torque tool.

A method according to an aspect of the invention includes entering 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. Operating parameters can be communicated from the computing device to the electronic torque wrench via the USB interface.

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

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

While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, therein are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein preferred embodiments of the invention; it should be understood that this text is to be considered as exemplifying the principles of the invention, It is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

The present invention relates to the incorporation of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface into tools such as electronic torque wrenches adapted to apply 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, electronic torque wrenches can be pre-loaded with multiple sets of working presets for torque and/or angle. One embodiment of the present invention includes a personal computer (PC) based client software tool for communicating with an electronic torque wrench. PC-based client software tool utilizes a communication port interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, FireWire port, serial port, parallel port, infrared port, wireless port or a Thunderbolt (THUNDERBOLT ^TM ) port to assist in setting torque and/or or angular jobs.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the electronic torque wrench has the ability to store torque and angle log information in the internal memory, and the torque and angle log information represent the corresponding torque or angular displacement applied to the workpiece. The internal memory is configured in the electronic Flash on torque wrench. Also disclosed is a method for downloading logs into a computer system for recordkeeping, archiving or quality audit purposes.

Referring to FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present invention, a tool adapted to apply torque to a workpiece, such as an electronic torque wrench 100 , includes a processor 102 and a memory 104 coupled to the processor. The tool 100 also includes an interface circuit 106 that 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 (THUNDERBOLT) port. ^TM ) port. Interface circuit 106 and memory 104 may be coupled 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 . Memory 104 may store data or computer programs for use with tool 100 in accordance with one aspect of the invention. For example, memory 104 may be used to store preset torque and angle target values for use in automatic setup, or to store temporary torque and angle target values, for example. Without limitation, memory 104 may 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 . User interface circuitry 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 input device 116 may be integrated into a single device, such as a touch screen that performs both display and manual input functions. User interface circuitry 112 may also include one or more indicators 117, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), coupled to processor 102 to provide feedback to the user.

According to one aspect of the invention, the tool 100 also includes a torque sensor 118, such as a strain gauge or load cell, for example connected to the processor 102, the torque sensor 118 being adapted to measure the torque applied by the tool to the workpiece quantity. Torque sensor 118 may include signal conditioning circuitry 120, such as an analog-to-digital converter circuit, for converting, for example, an analog strain gauge or load cell output signal into a signal suitable for input to processor 102. or digital signal format used by processor 102 . The angular displacement sensor 122 may be incorporated into the torque sensor 118 and adapted to measure 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 microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope.

A power supply 130 and a clock circuit 132 are also connected to the processor 102 . Power source 130 may include an electrical or power source, such as one or more batteries, fuel cells, or solar cells, among others. 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, preset torque or angle operations.

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 textual or graphical information. For example, 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 kind of black and white or color display that allows a user to view and understand information.

Indicator 117 may include structures that indicate to the user when a predetermined torque or angle target is reached, visually, audibly, or through tactile means. 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, indicator 117 may include a vibrating mechanism that generates vibration when a preset torque or angular displacement is reached.

Referring to FIG. 2, according to one aspect of the present invention, a tool such as an electronic torque wrench 202 (which may be identical to 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. device. This allows, for example, information such as preset operating parameters, calibration information, wrench system parameters, and wrench system software updates to be input from the personal computer 204 to the electronic torque wrench 202 . The connection between the electronic torque wrench 202 and the personal computer 204 also allows, for example, to download from the electronic torque wrench 202 to a log of the personal computer representing stored torque and/or angular displacement measurements on the workpiece. middle.

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

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process 400 according to one aspect of the invention. This 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 entering 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 indicative of an 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 settings of preset operating parameters from the computing device to the electronic torque wrench.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the preset working 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 calibration factors corresponding to torque settings. Other preset operating parameters that may be included in one or more sets of preset operating parameters in accordance with aspects of the present invention include, for example, a minimum torque setting, a maximum torque setting, a minimum angle setting, and a maximum torque setting corresponding to each job identifier. angle setting.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the set of preset operating parameters includes a mode selector, wherein the mode selector can select torque only mode, angle only mode, torque followed by angle mode, angle followed by torque mode, or both torque and angle mode .

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process 500 according to one aspect of the invention. The process may be performed on a tool adapted to apply 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, FireWire cable, serial cable, parallel cable, wireless, infrared cable or THUNDERBOLT ^™ cable. As shown, 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 the 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, transferring the set of torque measurements from the electronic torque wrench to the external computing device includes transferring the set of torque measurements representing the amount of torque applied to the workpiece through the torque wrench from a memory of the electronic torque wrench Transmission to the communication port of the electronic torque wrench, eg 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 the external computing device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process 600 according to one aspect of the invention. The procedure may be performed on a tool adapted to apply torque to the workpiece. The tool, for example an electronic torque wrench, comprises 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, a 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 block 604, the method includes configuring a clock of the electronic torque wrench based on the real-time clock setting.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process 700 according to one aspect of the invention. The procedure may be performed on a tool adapted to apply torque to the workpiece. The tool, for example an electronic torque wrench, comprises 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 starts 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 working parameters in a memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to an aspect of the 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. User input may, for example, indicate selection of an identifier. In step 710, the method includes configuring the electronic torque wrench using the torque setting corresponding to the selected identifier. In step 712, the method further includes configuring the electronic torque wrench with 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, provided on the electronic torque wrench. The tool specific identifier may be stored in the memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to another aspect of the invention, tool software updates may be received into the electronic torque wrench via a communication port, such as a USB port, provided on the electronic torque wrench. Software updates can be stored in the electronic torque wrench's memory. According to another aspect of the present invention, a set of wrench system parameters may be received into the electronic torque wrench via a communication port, such as a USB port, provided on the electronic torque wrench. Wrench system parameters can be stored in the memory of the electronic torque wrench. According to this aspect of the invention, the electronic torque wrench can be configured using wrench system parameters stored in the memory of the electronic torque wrench.

According to another aspect of the 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. The instructions are stored in the memory and executable by the processor to receive at least one set of preset operating parameters from the computing device via the interface circuit and store the set of preset operating parameters in the memory. According to some aspects of the 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 for storing a set of torque measurements in the memory and communicating the set of torque measurements from the electronic torque tool to the external computing device via the interface circuit.

Referring to FIG. 8 , according to another aspect of the invention, a tool such as electronic torque wrench 100 / 202 may be connected to an external device 800 such as a charger, for example, using a standard interface connector such as USB cable 206 . As noted above, electronic torque wrench 100 / 202 may include power supply 130 . In this embodiment, the power source 130 may be a rechargeable battery that is detachable 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 detaching the power source 130 from the electronic torque wrench 100/202.

Charger 800 may also include charger circuitry including a circuit board and/or charger processor and memory 804 . For example, the memory may be used to store preset thresholds and may include non-transitory computer-readable recording media such as hard drives, DVDs, CDs, flash drives, volatile or non-volatile memory, RAM, or any other type of data storage. Charger processor 804 facilitates communication between the various components of charger 800 and controls charging operations. For example, charger processor 804 may monitor the voltage of power supply 130 via 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 the charger 800 can then shut down to prevent damage to the power supply 130 from overcharging.

For example, charger 800 (eg, via charger processor 804 ) may implement a control line in USB cable 206 to measure the output of a thermistor embedded in power supply 130 to measure temperature. The charger 800 (eg, via the charger processor 804) may 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 source 130 , thereby charging the power source 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 electronic torque wrench. Overcharging of 100/202 results in damage to power supply 130 .

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

At step 902 , for example, charger 800 may measure a first voltage of power source 130 via USB cable 206 using charger processor 804 . At step 904, the charger 800, eg, using the charger processor 804, determines whether the measured first voltage of the power source 130 has substantially reached 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 power/electrical flow to electronic torque wrench 100 / 202 , and/or sending a signal via USB cable 206 to disable (or drive to the off position) switch 806 .

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

At step 910, charger 800 may measure a second voltage of power source 130 via USB cable 206, eg, using charger processor 804, and continue measuring the voltage in a feedback-type loop until power source 130 is fully charged. For example, also at step 904, the charger 800, eg, using the charger processor 804, determines whether the measured second voltage of the power source 130 has substantially reached the threshold voltage. 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 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 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , according to another aspect of the present invention, a method 1000 of charging a power source connected to an electronic torque wrench 100 / 202 is shown. To begin charging operations, charger 800 is connected to power source 802 and USB cable 206 . A USB cable 206 is also connected to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 (eg, via the communication interface port 108). The power supply 130 also remains connected to the electronic torque wrench 100/202. Method 900 and method 1000 may be performed concurrently to charge power supply 130 and prevent damage to 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 can be measured, for example, by charger 800 using charger processor 804 to implement a control line in USB cable 206 to receive the output of a thermistor embedded in power supply 130 .

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

At step 1008, if the measured first temperature of the power source 130 is less than or has not substantially reached 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 power the power source 130. Charge. This may include sending a signal via USB cable 206 to activate (or drive to an on position) switch 806 .

For example, at step 1010, charger 800 may measure a second temperature of power supply 130 via USB cable 206 using charger processor 804, and continue measuring the temperature in a feedback-type loop until power supply 130 is fully charged or reaches a threshold temperature. For example, also at step 1004, the charger 800 determines, eg, using the charger processor 804, whether the measured second temperature of the power source 130 is greater than or substantially reaches a threshold temperature. At step 1006, if the measured second temperature of the power supply 130 is greater than or substantially reaches the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may 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 mentioned above, tool 100 may be an electronic torque wrench. However, it should be understood that tool 100 may be any mechanism suitable for applying torque to a workpiece without departing from the scope of the present application. For example, without limitation, 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 terms "connected" or "communicatively connected" may mean 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.

The matter which has been set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is by way of illustration only and is not limiting. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it is evident that changes and modifications can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art 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 claims when viewed in due light based on 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 supply/power supply 804:Memory/Charger Processor 806: switch 900, 1000: method

In order to facilitate understanding of the subject matter to be protected, its embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings, and when considered in conjunction with the following description, through the inspection of its embodiment, it will be easy to understand and appreciate the subject matter to be protected, and its construction, operation and many advantages, among them: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a torque tool according to an embodiment of the present application. 2 is a block diagram showing a torque tool connected to an external device according to an embodiment of the present application. 3 is an example of a graphical user interface for entering setup information to configure preset jobs on an electronic torque wrench according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for inputting preset working parameters for an electronic torque tool according to an embodiment of the present application. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transferring measured data from an electronic torque tool to an external device according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for communicating real-time clock settings from an external device to an electronic torque tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating 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. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of charging a power source connected to an electronic torque tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another method of charging a power source connected to an electronic torque tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that notes included in the specification and materials, dimensions and tolerances discussed therein are suggestive only, and a person of ordinary skill in the art should be able to modify these suggestions within the scope of the invention.

100: Electronic torque wrench/tool/precision tool

130: power supply

202: Electronic torque wrench

206:USB cable

800: External device/charger

802: External power supply/power supply

804:Memory/Charger Processor

806: switch

Claims (10)

A method of charging a power source connected to a tool, the method comprising: sending a first signal to the tool via a USB cable through a charger external to the tool to actuate a switch of the tool to an on position ; allowing power flow to the power source via the USB cable when the switch is in the on position; implementing a control line in the USB cable with the charger and passing through the USB cable through the The charger measures a voltage of the power supply; and stops the power flow when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the power flow includes sending a second signal through the charger to the tool via the USB cable to actuate a switch of the tool to an off position. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the power flow includes stopping the power flow through the charger. A method of charging a power source connected to a tool, the method comprising: sending a first signal to the tool via a USB cable through a charger external to the tool to actuate a switch of the tool to an on position ; allowing power flow to the power supply via the USB cable when the switch is in the on position; implementing a control line in the USB cable with the charger and via the a USB cable, measuring the temperature of the power supply through the charger; and stopping the power flow when the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds a temperature threshold. The method of claim 4, wherein stopping the power flow includes sending a second signal through the charger to the tool via the USB cable to actuate a switch of the tool to an off position. The method of claim 4, wherein stopping the power flow includes stopping the power flow through the charger. A method of charging a power source connected to a tool, the method comprising: sending a first signal to the tool via a USB cable through a charger external to the tool to actuate a switch of the tool to an on position ; allowing power flow to the power source via the USB cable when the switch is in the on position; implementing a control line in the USB cable with the charger and passing through the USB cable through the the charger measures the voltage of the power supply; measures the temperature of the power supply through the charger via the USB cable; and when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold or the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds a temperature threshold , stops the power flow. The method of claim 7, wherein stopping the power flow comprises sending a second signal through the charger to the tool via the USB cable to actuate a switch of the tool to an off position. The method of claim 7, wherein stopping the power flow includes stopping the power flow through the charger. The method of claim 7, wherein measuring the temperature of the power source through the charger includes implementing a control line in the USB cable through the charger.

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