Abstract: A socket assembly may include a fastener socket and a contact member. The contact member may extend through a window formed in the fastener socket in a first direction to engage a fastener head and lock the socket assembly to the fastener head in a locked position. The contact member may also retract at least partially into the window in a second direction to disengage the contact member from the fastener head and unlock the socket assembly from the fastener head in an unlocked position. A threaded actuator may be rotated to transform the socket assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position. The contact member may comprise a tang having first and second tang projections configured to engage first and second surfaces of the fastener head and lock the socket assembly to the fastener head.

Abstract: Engaging washers such as reaction washers and backup washers can include novel advantageous features. For example, an engaging washer can include an inner row of teeth and an outer row of teeth, where the teeth in the inner row can slope in a first circumferential direction to primarily engage a flange during bolt tightening, and the teeth in the outer row can slope in a second circumferential direction to primarily engage during bolt loosening. The engaging washers may also include an arched design to allow gradual increasing of contact surface areas as a clamping force in the washer gradually increases. Additionally, a reaction washer can include stepped castles for engaging a reaction socket. The castles may also include sloped or curved engaging surfaces that can provide decreased contact surface area and may also inhibit outward biasing of reaction fingers that are engaging the castles.

Abstract: A reaction washer is optimized for lock-on, optional stiction ring and for a predetermined indentation depth of bidirectional serrations for secure reaction torque transfer during initial and full actuation of respective nut or bolt heads resting on it. An optional lock-on ring embedded around the reaction socket is ergonomically actuated to latch on and off underneath the reaction washer. Axial offset of the peak stress areas away from the actuation socket edges provides for reduced actuation socket diameter and consequently for the entire tool and system remaining substantially within radial assembly limits established for prior art actuation sockets alone. A coupling unit is attached to and tightened on a power torque wrench via a clamp tool utilizing the power wrench's own torque. A hand hold groove and a lock able snap release button offset from the coupling castle snap connection contribute to safe and ergonomic operation and system peak performance.

Abstract: Engaging washers such as reaction washers and backup washers can include novel advantageous features. For example, an engaging washer can include an inner row of teeth and an outer row of teeth, where the teeth in the inner row can slope in a first circumferential direction to primarily engage a flange during bolt tightening, and the teeth in the outer row can slope in a second circumferential direction to primarily engage during bolt loosening. The engaging washers may also include an arched design to allow gradual increasing of contact surface areas as a clamping force in the washer gradually increases. Additionally, a reaction washer can include stepped castles for engaging a reaction socket. The castles may also include sloped or curved engaging surfaces that can provide decreased contact surface area and may also inhibit outward biasing of reaction fingers that are engaging the castles.

Abstract: A reaction washer is optimized for lock-on, optional stiction ring and for a predetermined indentation depth of bidirectional serrations for secure reaction torque transfer during initial and full actuation of respective nut or bolt heads resting on it. An optional lock-on ring embedded around the reaction socket is ergonomically actuated to latch on and off underneath the reaction washer. Axial offset of the peak stress areas away from the actuation socket edges provides for reduced actuation socket diameter and consequently for the entire tool and system remaining substantially within radial assembly limits established for prior art actuation sockets alone. A coupling unit is attached to and tightened on a power torque wrench via a clamp tool utilizing the power wrench's own torque. A hand hold groove and a lock able snap release button offset from the coupling castle snap connection contribute to safe and ergonomic operation and system peak performance.

Abstract: Interchangeable monolithic or stacked Belleville reaction washers initially penetrate with outward bottom serration edges only during manual pre-tightening. Slippage is thereby avoided at begin of the consecutive power torque wrench assisted full tightening of the nut and/or bolt head resting on it. As the load ramps up, the reaction washer or stack flattens out and the bottom serrations gradually penetrate radially inwards. Reaction and actuation sockets of varying sizes matching a broad range of reaction washers and nut and/or bolt heads may be interchangeably snapped on a reaction coupling connected to the torque wrench housing. A clearance undercut underneath the reaction washer torque receiving flanges captures eventual debris to further assist unimpeded and fast coupling of the system. Radially oriented contact faces between reaction washer and reaction socket provide a snug contact unaffected by their toroidal movement during washer flattening and a force transfer free of radial force components.

Abstract: An actuation and reaction socket tool features a reaction coupling that is slid onto the spline flange of a power torque wrench prior to attaching the actuation socket on the drive shaft of the torque wrench and prior to securing it with a well-known safety pin. The reaction coupling is then coupled to the reaction socket via circumferentially arrayed and interlocking castles on both the reaction coupling and reaction socket. A lock plate spring loaded snaps into grooves on the inside of the castles and axially locks the reaction coupling with the reaction socket. At least one of the reaction coupling and reaction socket is axially withheld by the central actuation socket such that the entire tool system remains connected to the torque wrench. To remove the tool again, the reaction coupling and reaction socket are first decoupled, which provides access again to the safety pin for its removal.

Abstract: A Belleville reaction washer flattens out while being fully loaded such that its bottom serrations initially contact and bite with their peripheral ends only. Thereby washer slippage is circumvented as the maximum distance to the washer axis offsets eventual increased thread friction and eventual presence of lubricants or paint on the base surface. During washer flattening, the bottom serrations extend their bite radially inward and underneath the nut or bolt head. The Belleville spring action may secure the nut or bolt head on top against inadvertent loosening. In addition, a dual washer stack may include a conical ramp interface for a low overall height and lock washer functionality. Radial torque receive faces remain in plane during washer flattening and receive the torque substantially free of radial force components. A radially slim reaction socket interface may thus be tapered down around them without need for continuous circumferential structural support.