Holding Tool

Abstract

A holding tool for use in holding a first portion of an item, such as a hydraulic coupling, in a static position, while a torque application tool applies torque and rotates a second portion of the item. The holding tool helps reduce twisting of the first portion relative to the second portion when torque is applied. The holding tool also communicates with a controller when the tool is in use. For example, the tool communicates with the controller in response to a user applying a force to the tool in a direction of the first portion the tool is engaged with. That force releases pressure on a switch that activates a communication signal for communication to the controller. This allows the controller to monitor whether the holding tool was used in conjunction with a torque wrench to tighten the coupling; thereby providing an error reducing function.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 transmitting, by a tool engaged with a first portion of an item, a first signal indicating that the tool is in use in response to actuation of a switch to an ON position by a force being applied to a handle of the tool in a direction towards the first portion of the item;   receiving, by a controller, the first signal; and   determining, by the controller, whether the tool was in use during application of torque to a second portion of the item by a torque application tool.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising pairing the tool with the torque application tool prior to application of the torque. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving, by the controller, a second signal from the torque application tool indicating an amount of torque applied by the torque application tool. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the step of determining whether the tool was in use includes receiving, by the controller, the first signal prior to, during, and after the application of the torque by the torque application tool. 
     
     
         5 . A system for error reducing an application of torque, comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory storing instructions to be executed by the processor, to cause the processor to:
 receive a first signal from a tool engaged with a first portion of an item, wherein the first signal indicates that the tool is in use and the first signal is received in response to actuation of a switch to an ON position by a force being applied to a handle of the tool in a direction towards the first portion of the item; and 
 determine that the tool was in use during application of the torque to a second portion of the item by a torque application tool. 
   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the processor is configured to pair the tool with the torque application tool prior to application of the torque. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the processor is configured to receive a second signal from the torque application tool indicating an amount of the torque applied by the torque application tool. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the processor is configured to determine that the tool was in use by receiving the first signal prior to, during, and after the application of the torque by the torque application tool.