Abstract: An articulation mechanism for large scale mobile aggregate system equipment. The mechanism includes a screw device that is pivotally secured to an elongated portion of the equipment to drive its movement to and from a collapsed position. The screw device is driven by a screw jack and moved within a housing while the housing itself is pivotally secured to another portion of the equipment. Rollers within the housing may be used to stabilize the lateral movement of the screw device during the opening, closing or self-locking of the elongated portion by the mechanism.

Abstract: Feed tools and methods of use for initiating a change in a spindle feed direction from an advance direction that moves the spindle towards a workpiece to a retract direction that moves the spindle away from the workpiece. The tool and methods may use a thrust overload force that is generated on one or more of the components to initiate the shift from forward to retract and/or a lift ring that acts on one or more of the components. The tool and methods may also include a two-stage piston to accomplish the shift. The various components may be used independently or in combination within the tool.

Abstract: A method of operating a drill string comprises independently modifying a rotary speed of a downhole portion of the drill string relative to other downhole portions of the drill string, each of the portions comprising a plurality of drill pipe sections. The modified-speed portion of the drill string can comprise a downhole end portion of the drill string extending between a downhole drill string end and a curved portion of the borehole in which the drill string is located. The downhole end portion can be rotated at an increased speed relative to a portion of the drill string coincident with the curved portion of the borehole. Independent speed modification can be effected by incorporating one or more transmission modifier devices in the drill string, the transmission modifier device being switchable between a disengaged mode in which it transfers unmodified drill string torque and rotation, and an engaged mode in which it transmits torque and rotation along the drill string at a modified speed and torque.

Abstract: An actuator having an output slidable between extended and retracted positions is provided. The actuator includes a primary module having a power drive, power screw rotatable by the power drive, and a nut operable to translate rotation of the power screw to linear motion of the nut across the power screw. The actuator includes a secondary module having a power drive, a shaft rotatable by the power drive, a power screw, and a nut. The power screw is slidably coupled to and rotatable by the shaft, and coupled to the output. The nut is coupled to the power screw and is operable to slide linearly across the shaft by rotating through the nut. Both the primary nut and secondary power screw are operable to move the output to the extended position or the retracted position depending on the rotational direction of the primary power screw and secondary power screw.

Abstract: A power tool includes a pneumatic motor with an output shaft, a spindle that is drivingly connected to the output shaft via a drive gear to provide a rotational movement to the spindle and via a feed gear to provide a translational movement to the spindle. A cylinder that governs the gear transmission to the feed gear is arranged to be translated between a retraction gearing position and an advancement gearing position. The retraction gearing includes a retraction torque limiting coupling adapted to be released when an operational torque (T) exceeds a retraction threshold torque (TR) in order to terminate retraction. A lock mechanism is arranged to selectively block the cylinder in the retraction gearing position through engagement between a tooth of a ratchet on the lock mechanism and a shoulder on the cylinder. The lock mechanism assures that the cylinder is kept in the retraction gearing position during an initial phase of the retraction of the spindle.

Abstract: Positive feed tools and methods of use that include a spindle with a distal end configured to receive a tool bit. The spindle is movable in a forward direction for the tool bit to act on a workpiece, and a retract direction to move the tool bit away from the workpiece. The spindle is configured to retract to a home position at which an air motor that drives the spindle is shut off. The feed tool includes a clutch to prevent jamming of the spindle at the home position in the event the air motor is not shut off at the proper time.

Abstract: A driving section generates rotational driving force and has an output shaft that outputs the rotational driving force. An end-bit mounting section holds an end bit and is rotatable about a rotational axis. A friction clutch is provided between the end-bit mounting section and the driving section. The friction clutch includes a drive member and a follow member. The drive member rotates together with the driving section and has a drive-side contact surface. The follow member rotates together with the end-bit mounting section and has a follow-side contact surface contactable with the drive-side contact surface. The friction clutch is movable between a transmission position where frictional force is produced between the drive-side contact surface and the follow-side contact surface so that the output shaft and the end-bit mounting section can rotate together, and a cutoff position where the output shaft and the end-bit mounting section are non-rotatable together.

Abstract: The power tool has a power transmitting mechanism. When a tool bit is not pressed against a workpiece, the power transmitting mechanism is held in a power transmission interrupted state, and when the tool bit is pressed against the workpiece, the power transmitting mechanism is held in a power transmission state in which the tool bit moves together with the driven-side member in an axial direction of the tool bit so that the driving-side member receives the torque from the driven-side member and the tool bit is driven. Tapered portions are provided between the driving-side member and the driven-side member and inclined with respect to the axial direction of the tool bit. When the driven-side member moves in the axial direction of the tool bit, frictional force is caused on the tapered portions and the torque of the driving-side member is transmitted to the driven-side member by the frictional force.

Abstract: Embodiments of clutches for electric pole saws, and related methods, are disclosed herein. An electric pole saw may include an electric motor, a drive shaft coupled between the electric motor and a cutting instrument, and a clutch coupled between the electric motor and the drive shaft. The clutch may include a motor portion having an exterior surface, a drive shaft portion having an exterior surface and forming a mated assembly when mated with the motor portion, and a spring around the motor and drive shaft portions. The spring may exert a holding force on the mated assembly, such that rotation of the motor portion in a first direction loosens the spring and reduces the friction holding force until a torque between the motor and drive shaft portions exceeds the holding force, causing rotation of the motor portion to be decoupled from rotation of the drive shaft portion.

Abstract: A method of estimating the available grip margin of a tire of a vehicle rolling on a ground involves: estimating a quantity Rslip ca, i.e., the ratio of the slip contact area and the total contact area of the tire on the ground; determining, in a signal processing unit, the grip potential used P?,used and/or the available grip margin of the tire P?,avail from the quantity and pre-established data corresponding to the type of the tire, where P?,avail=1?P?,used; and recording in a memory the grip potential used and/or the available grip margin of the tire.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for avoiding the influence of reaction during tightening operation in the rotary fastening tool.

Abstract: A pipe torquing sprag tool comprises one or more elastomeric sprags supported on a sprag support in an arrangement lying generally in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the axis of the rotatable sprag support. Each sprag has a solid, uninterrupted side and an interrupted side, and each sprag reacts to a lateral force in the general direction tangential to the surface of the sprag support and applied near the top of the sprag to bend the elastomeric sprag either toward the interrupted side to at least partially lean, fold or collapse, or towards the substantially uninterrupted side for being deformed to a generally compressed and non-compliant configuration for gripping. The sprag tool of the present invention may comprise a sprag support for positioning an external arrangement of sprags for being inserted into the bore of an add-on pipe segment.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a clutch. The adjustment mechanism includes an annular adjustment structure having an adjustment profile with a ramp section, a first adjustment segment, a last adjustment segment and a plurality of intermediate adjustment segments. The first adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a first clutch setting and the last adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a last clutch setting. The ramp section is positioned between the first and last adjustment segments such that the adjustment structure is rotatable between the first and last adjustment segments and between the last and first adjustment segments without engaging any of the intermediate adjustment segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torque-limiting clutch for use in combination with a positive feed drill that has a reversible motor and reversible driving means. A preferred use of the clutch is in combination with a drill that has a reversible motor rapid advance system. The clutch provides direct drive in a forward mode and is torque-limiting in a reverse mode so as to protect the gears from breaking due to excessive torque while the gears are turning in reverse during the rapid advance mode. In the reverse mode, the torque-limiting clutch protects the drill bit as it bears on the workpiece and prevents unscrewing of the drilling and mounting components. In a preferred embodiment the clutch is mounted on a shaft and is comprised of two clutch jaws that drive through lugs mounted on the jaws. The lugs provide direct drive in a forward rotation, but are shaped so as to allow the jaws to disengage when the torque is excessive in a reverse rotation.

Abstract: A rotation device for settling a pre-molded foundation pile into the earth by imparting axial loading thereto and by imparting torque of approximately equal magnitudes to both the upper- and lowermost portions of the foundation pile. A clutch assembly comprising upper and lower pawl members is disposed on the upper end of the foundation pile. A driving rod passes through the clutch mechanism and the premolded pile. Upper and lower driving blocks of the rotation rod are faceted for nonrotationally engaging, respectively, the clutch mechanism and the lowermost portion of the foundation pile. Torque is imparted from the driving rod to the lowermost portion of the foundation pile through the lower driving block. Torque also is imparted from the driving rod through the upper driving block, the pawls of the clutch mechanism and then to the uppermost portion of the foundation pile.

Abstract: A mechanical quill having selective braking capability, achieved by a pneumatic cylinder (110) mounted to one motor (80) for selectively driving a braking member (120) into a braking material (104) coupled to a motor armature (84). This braking member (120) interrupts a clutch-type drive path through the motor as desired, to prevent advance of a quill.

Abstract: A positive feed drill having a spindle drive gear train and a spindle feed gear train, coupled to the drive gear train by side teeth on respective drive and feed coupling gears mounted on a common shaft, is provided with a spring between the feed coupling gear and a housing to bias the feed coupling gear against the drive coupling gear to feed the spindle forward as it drills. A positive stop prevents the spindle from feeding beyond a predetermined point, thus causing the feed coupling gear to be driven by the spindle. A slope on the faces of the side teeth engaging the drive and coupling gears in order to allow the feed coupling gear to ratchet over the drive coupling gear when the spindle feed reaches the positive stop.

Abstract: Air-operated, hydraulically controlled portable drill-countersink tool automatically clamping to workpiece. A spindle attached to drill is connected to gearing from a motor by helical splines to withdraw the spindle, to counter spindle-feeding force, responsive to encountering increased torque due to increased resistance in drilling or countersinking. In a hydraulic cylinder for collet clamping a lower air pressure is converted to higher hydraulic pressure. When drilling depth is reached, drill feeding changes to drill withdrawal and that change is triggered by blocking of an air vent by a member traveling with the spindle. A lower drill speed during countersinking is achieved by a valve reducing air supply to the motor and change in that valve is also triggered by blocking of air vent by a member traveling with the spindle. The blades of the air motor do not change in extension when loaded and the motor has constant torque.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for penetrating boreholes in oil wells. The apparatus includes a shaft rotatable by power means. First means may be operatively associated with the shaft and a rod to obtain a rotation of the rod by the shaft. Second means obtain a linear movement of the rod at each instant in accordance with a load imposed upon the rod at that instant. The second means may include means providing a slippage between the rotary movements of the shaft and the linear movements of the rod in accordance with the load on the rod. Third means are operatively coupled to the rod and are adaptable in configuration and position in accordance with the configuration of the bore hole to be penetrated. The third means may include an outer casing, a flexible boom movable within the outer casing and resilient means disposed within the flexible boom and movable within the outer casing. Means may rotate the resilient means in accordance with the rotation of the rod.

Abstract: A vertical drive mechanism is provided for a cutting apparatus. The cutting pparatus can be used for in place machining of a valve seat which may include an annular turntable adapted to be rotatably mounted on the valve above the valve seat. A feed shaft is mounted through the turntable so as to be rotatable therewith, and a bottom of the feed shaft is adapted to receive a cutter for machining the valve seat. The vertical drive mechanism is mounted on the feed shaft and includes a nut threaded on the feed shaft and a gear combination. The gear combination may include a first portion which is fixedly connected to the nut, a second portion which operatively engages the first gear portion, and a third portion which operatively engages the second gear portion, the third gear portion being mounted for rotatable slidable friction engagement about the nut.

Abstract: A quill drive comprising a housing adapted for mounting on machine tools. A quill is slidably mounted in a longitudinal bore in the housing, and is longitudinally positioned by a ball screw. The ball screw is driven for longitudinal positioning of the quill by a variable speed, reversible motor. The quill rotatably supports a spindle for driving various cutting tools. The spindle is advanced longitudinally by the quill and is rotatably driven by a second motor. The quill drive can be used singly or in a multiple arrangment on transfer machines or other automatic equipment. The unique design has fewer parts resulting in a simple reliable, relatively inexpensive device which is compact and easy to use. A relatively simple modification of the gear box converts the quill drive into a drive for tapping threaded holes.

Abstract: This application discloses an improved quill feed unit of the type used in automatic or semi-automatic machines for holding and advancing the tool during the machining operation, wherein the rapid advance, feed, and rapid retract movements present in each machine cycle are performed entirely mechanically.Previously, substantially all of such guill feed units have been operated by the use of a hydraulic or pneumatic power, or a combination thereof, i.e., a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder would advance and retract the tool, while a suitable motor would rotate the tool.Despite efforts to solve them, severe problems were and are still encountered with these units. Problems such as leakage, poor start up, tool breakage and ease of tampering are commonplace.

Abstract: A quill drive comprising a housing adapted for mounting on machine tools. A quill is slidably mounted in a longitudinal bore in the housing, and is longitudinally positioned by a ball screw. The ball screw is driven for longitudinal positioning of the quill by a variable speed, reversible motor. The quill rotatably supports a spindle for driving various cutting tools. The spindle is advanced longitudinally by the quill and is rotatably driven by a second motor. The quill drive can be used singly or in a multiple arrangement on transfer machines or other automatic equipment. The unique design has fewer parts resulting in a simple reliable, relatively inexpensive device which is compact and easy to use. A relatively simple modification of the gear box converts the quill drive into a drive for tapping threaded holes.