HK40049903A - Method and system of using usb user interface in electronic torque wrench - Google Patents

Description

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

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application filed on 7.5.2013, entitled "Method and System of Using an USB User Interface in an Electronic Torque Wrench," U.S. patent application No. 13/888,685, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

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.

Background

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 in a job specification or a work sheet to be applied to each workpiece at the time of a job. Precision tools are typically adjustable and may be manually configured to apply a specified torque and/or angular displacement to each workpiece while working. Once a specified torque or angle setting is configured, the precision tool can prevent, for example, a user from exceeding the specified torque or angular displacement by 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 numerous different torque and/or displacement specifications, the process of resetting the tool for each different specification can be time consuming and laborious, and introduce opportunities for mistakes.

Precision tools, such as torque wrenches, are also commonly used to measure the applied torque and/or angular displacement applied to a workpiece. In many applications, to ensure quality, the measurements of torque and/or angular displacement obtained by a user through the use of such precision tools are manually logged. The process of manually logging measurements in a log is also time consuming and laborious and further introduces opportunities for mistakes.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic torque tool is configured with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The client software may execute 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 may also be used to provide real time clock settings, software updates, or other configuration information from an 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 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 comprises: the method further includes receiving real-time clock settings from the computing device via the USB interface and configuring a clock of the electronic torque wrench based on the real-time clock settings. A method according to another aspect of the invention comprises: preset operating parameters, tool identifiers, tool system parameters, and/or software updates are received from a computing device to an electronic torque tool via a USB interface.

A method according to another aspect of the invention comprises: charging a power source connected to the tool. The method comprises the following steps: sending, by the charger, a first signal to the tool via the USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an ON (ON) position; and allowing power flow to the power source via the USB cable. The method further comprises the following steps: the method includes measuring, by the charger, a voltage and a temperature of the power source 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.

Drawings

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the claimed subject matter, embodiments thereof are illustrated in the drawings, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the claimed subject matter will be readily understood and appreciated, as well as the construction, operation, and many advantages thereof, 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 setup information to configure preset jobs 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 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method for communicating 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 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 showing a method for communicating preset operating parameters from an external device to an electronic torque tool in accordance with 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 of charging a power source connected to an electronic torque tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing another method of charging a power source connected to an electronic torque tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

It is to be understood that the comments included in the description, as well as the materials, dimensions and tolerances discussed therein, are merely suggestive and that one skilled in the art should be able to modify these suggestions within the scope of the present invention.

Detailed Description

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention; it is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative 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 the incorporation of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface into a tool, such as an electronic torque wrench, 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 automotive, industrial applications, or quality control requirements, the electronic torque wrench may be preloaded with a plurality of sets of operating preset values of 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. The PC-based client software tool utilizes a software tool such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a firewire port, a serial port, a parallel port, an infrared port, a wireless port, or THUNDERBOLT (THUNDER ™)^TM) The communication port interface of the port assists in the task of setting torque and/or angle.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic torque wrench has the capability of storing torque and angle log information in an internal memory, such as a flash memory disposed on the electronic torque wrench, the torque and angle log information representing a corresponding amount of torque or angular displacement applied to a workpiece. A method for downloading logs into a computer system for logging, archiving or quality auditing purposes is also disclosed.

Referring to FIG. 1, a tool adapted to apply torque to a workpiece, such as an electronic torque wrench 100, according to one aspect of the present invention, includes a processor 102 and a memory 104 coupled to the processor. The tool 100 also includes an interface circuit 106, the interface circuit 106 operatively 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 THUNDERBOLT (THUNDER OLT)^TM) A port. The interface circuitry 106 and the memory 104 may be connected to the processor by one or more internal signal paths 110.

The processor 102 facilitates communication between the various components of the tool 100 and controls operation of the various electronic components of the tool 100. According to one aspect of the invention, the memory 104 may store data or computer programs for use with the tool 100. For example, the memory 104 may be used to store preset torque and angle target values for use in automatic settings, or to store, for example, temporary torque and angle target values. 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. The 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 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 circuitry 112 may also include one or more indicators 117, such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), the indicators 117 being coupled 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 load cell, for example, coupled to the processor 102, the torque sensor 118 being adapted to measure the amount of torque applied by the tool to the workpiece. The torque sensor 118 may include signal conditioning circuitry 120, such as analog-to-digital converter circuitry, the signal conditioning circuitry 120 for converting the output signals of, for example, analog strain gauges or load cells into a digital signal format suitable for input to the processor 102 or use by the processor 102. An angular displacement sensor 122 may be incorporated into the torque sensor 118 and adapted to measure the amount of angular displacement of the workpiece, and may also be coupled to the processor 102. 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 source 130 may include an electrical gas 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, presetting torque or angle operations.

In one embodiment, the display 114 may display various information for viewing and understanding by a user. Such as stored or real-time measurements of torque or angular displacement, preset values, or other textual 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 a user to view and understand information.

Indicator 117 may include structure to visually, audibly, or by tactile means indicate to a user when a predetermined torque or angle target has been reached. For example, the indicator 117 may include one or more LEDs and LCD backlights 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.

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. This allows, for example, information such as preset operating parameters, calibration information, wrench system parameters, and wrench system software updates to be input to the electronic torque wrench 202 from the personal computer 204. 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.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the personal computer 204 may be configured to execute client software that, for example, provides a graphical user interface for inputting setup information to configure a preset job on the electronic torque wrench 202. The client software may be configured to present one or more display screens 302 to display preset work settings and/or one or more data entry screens 304 to a user to facilitate entry of new work settings or to modify existing work settings in a data set. Examples of several preset work settings shown in fig. 3 include a job identifier, which may be a job number or, as shown, a preset name, and a set of parameters corresponding to the job identifier. For each job identifier, the set of parameters may include, for example, mode selection, minimum torque setting, maximum torque setting, cell selection, minimum angle setting, maximum angle setting, batch count, and calibration coefficient. The mode selector is used to configure the electronic torque wrench in specific modes, such as a torque only mode, an angle only mode, a torque subsequent angle mode, an angle subsequent torque mode, and a simultaneous angle and torque mode.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing a process 400 according to one aspect of the present invention. This process may be performed by a user of, for example, a personal computer. As shown, the process 400 begins and proceeds to step 402, where step 402 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 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 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, indicative of an amount of angular displacement that should be applied to the workpiece. The preset operating parameters may also include calibration coefficients corresponding to the torque settings. Other preset operating parameters that may be included in one or more sets of preset operating parameters according to aspects of the present 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 invention, the 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 subsequent angle mode, an angle subsequent torque mode, or a simultaneous torque and angle mode.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a circuit according to the present inventionA flow chart of the process 500 of the aspect. The process may be performed on a tool adapted to apply a torque to a workpiece. The tool is, for example, an electronic torque wrench, which is operated by a tool 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 (THUNDER BERBIT)^TM) The cable of the cable is connected to the personal computer. As shown, the process 500 begins and proceeds to step 502, where step 502 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 an amount of torque applied to the workpiece by the torque wrench from a memory of the electronic torque wrench to a communication port, such as a USB port, of the electronic torque wrench.

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 a 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.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing a process 600 according to one aspect of the present invention. The process may be performed on a tool adapted to apply a torque to a workpiece. The tool is, for example, an electronic torque wrench, includes 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, where step 602 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 block 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 adapted to apply a torque to a workpiece. The tool is, for example, an electronic torque wrench, includes 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, where step 702 includes receiving at least one set of predetermined 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 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 an identifier on a display of the electronic torque wrench, and in step 708, the method includes: user input to the electronic torque wrench is received. The user input may, for example, indicate a selection of an identifier. In step 710, the method includes configuring the electronic torque wrench with a 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 present 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 present invention, the 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 a memory of the electronic torque wrench. 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, configured on the electronic torque wrench. The wrench system parameters may be stored in a memory of the electronic torque wrench. In accordance with this aspect of the present 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 coupled to the processor, a torque sensor coupled to the processor, and an interface circuit, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface circuit, coupled to the processor. 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 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.

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

The 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 the preset threshold and 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 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 supply 130 via the USB cable 206. The charger processor 804 may 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 may shut down to prevent overcharging from damaging the power supply 130.

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

Referring to fig. 9, a method 900 of charging a power source connected to an electronic torque wrench 100/202 is shown, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. To begin the charging operation, the charger 800 is connected to the power source 802 and the USB cable 206. The USB cable 206 is also connected to an 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, for example, the charger 800 may measure a first voltage of the power supply 130 via the USB cable 206 using the charger processor 804. At step 904, the charger 800 determines, for example using the charger processor 804, whether the measured first voltage of the power supply 130 substantially reaches a threshold voltage. At step 906, the charger 800 may shut down if the measured first voltage of the power source 130 substantially reaches the threshold voltage. This may include stopping power/electrical flow to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 and/or sending a signal via the USB cable 206 to disable (or drive to the open position) the switch 806.

At step S908, if the measured first voltage of the power source 130 does not substantially reach the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may turn 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 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 supply 130 via the USB cable 206, e.g., using the charger processor 804, and continue to measure the voltage in a feedback-type loop until the power supply 130 is fully charged. Also at step 904, the charger 800 determines, for example using the charger processor 804, whether the measured second voltage of the power supply 130 substantially reaches the threshold voltage. At step 906, the charger 800 may shut down if the measured second voltage of the power supply 130 substantially reaches the threshold voltage. At step S908, 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, a method 1000 of charging a power source connected to an electronic torque wrench 100/202 is shown, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. To begin the charging operation, the charger 800 is connected to the power source 802 and the USB cable 206. The USB cable 206 is also connected to an 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. Method 900 and method 1000 may be performed simultaneously 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 may be measured, for example, by the charger 800 implementing a control line in the USB cable 206 using the charger processor 804 to receive the output of a thermistor embedded in the power supply 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 the threshold voltage, the charger 800 may shut down. This may include stopping power/electrical flow to the electronic torque wrench 100/202 and/or sending a signal via the USB cable 206 to disable (or drive to the open 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 turn 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 the USB cable 206 to activate (or drive to an on position) the switch 806.

For example, at step 1010, the charger 800 may measure a second temperature of the power supply 130 via the USB cable 206 using the charger processor 804 and continue measuring the temperature in a feedback-type loop until the power supply 130 is fully charged or a threshold temperature is reached. 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, e.g., using the charger processor 804. 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 shut down. At step 1008, if the measured second temperature of the power source 130 is less than or 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.

As described above, the tool 100 may be an electronic torque wrench. However, it should be understood that the 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, the precision tool 100 may be a ratchet wrench, an open end wrench, a spanner wrench, or any other tool capable of applying torque to a workpiece.

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

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the applicant's contribution in its broader aspects. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined by the claims appended hereto when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims (13)

1. A method of charging a power source connected to a tool, the method comprising:

sending, by a charger, a first signal to the tool via a USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an on position;

allowing power flow to the power source via the USB cable;

measuring, by the charger, a voltage of the power supply via the USB cable; and

stopping the flow of power when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the flow of power comprises: sending, by the charger, a second signal to the tool via the USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an open position.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the flow of power comprises: stopping the flow of power through the charger.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein measuring, by the charger, the voltage of the power source comprises: a control line is implemented in the USB cable by the charger.

5. A method of charging a power source connected to a tool, the method comprising:

sending, by a charger, a first signal to the tool via a USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an on position;

allowing power flow to the power source via the USB cable;

measuring, by the charger, a temperature of the power source via the USB cable; and

stopping the flow of power when the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds the temperature threshold.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein stopping the flow of power comprises: sending, by the charger, a second signal to the tool via the USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an open position.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein stopping the flow of power comprises: stopping the flow of power through the charger.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein measuring, by the charger, the temperature of the power source comprises: a control line is implemented in the USB cable by the charger.

9. A method of charging a power source connected to a tool, the method comprising:

sending, by a charger, a first signal to the tool via a USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an on position;

allowing power flow to the power source via the USB cable;

measuring, by the charger, a voltage of the power supply via the USB cable;

measuring, by the charger, a temperature of the power source via the USB cable; and

stopping the flow of power when the measured voltage substantially reaches a voltage threshold or the measured temperature substantially reaches or exceeds a temperature threshold.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein stopping the flow of power comprises: sending, by the charger, a second signal to the tool via the USB cable to drive a switch of the tool to an open position.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein stopping the flow of power comprises: stopping the flow of power through the charger.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein measuring, by the charger, the voltage of the power source comprises: a control line is implemented in the USB cable by the charger.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein measuring, by the charger, the temperature of the power source comprises: a control line is implemented in the USB cable by the charger.