Abstract: A backup tool supports a nut from rotation. The tool has a socket opening having opposing faces that lie along adjacent sides of an equilateral triangle. A threaded opening in the tool has an axis that intersects a third side of this equilateral triangle, and an adjustable screw threads into this opening. To adjustably fit the tool on a nut, the socket opening disposes around the nut, and the screw threads in the opening until the screw's distal end engages one of the six sides of a hex nut. The opposing faces along the sides of the equilateral triangle then engage two alternating sides of the hex nut. To support the nut from rotation, a reaction surface of the tool engages against a supporting surface of another nut, an edge of a flange, or the like.

Abstract: A hydraulic torque wrench has a support partially sandwiched between first and second side plates. The support has hoop that extends beyond the edges of the plates so that the hoop has a smaller width than the wrench. An inner surface of the hoop defining a groove that receives a rib of a lever that fits against the hoop. This lever has an internal opening in which a socket disposes. A segment movable segment on the lever has teeth that ratchet with teeth around the socket. As the lever is reciprocated back and forth by an actuator on the wrench, the ratcheting between the lever and socket turn the socket and any nut disposed therein. The arrangement of the hoop, socket, and lever enable the wrench to be used in locations around nuts having tight clearances.

Abstract: A hydraulic bolt tensioner has a reduced height by virtue of inner seals between a cylinder and piston being aligned along a same plane. The tensioner also has a reduced width by virtue of carbon fiber would about the tensioner's housing, reducing the need for a certain thickness of material used for the tensioner's housing.

Abstract: A subsea tensioner system that includes a one or more spring activated piston return subsea tensioners. The subsea tensioner system can use a spring activated subsea tensioner because the subsea tensioner system uses non-toxic fluid to drive a piston disposed within the subsea tensioner, and when the piston reaches a second position a fluid release valve is opened thus allowing the fluid used to drive the piston to be emptied into the local underwater environment. The subsea tensioner system eliminates the need for topside trips to return the piston to an initial position to take another stroke.

Abstract: A method for automatically cycling a torque wrench. The method includes providing a hydraulic torque wrench. Providing an actuating device on the hydraulic torque wrench. Providing a switching device on the hydraulic torque wrench. Adapting the switching device to be activated by the actuating device when a piston of the torque wrench is at the end of a stroke. The embodiments of the method allow a user to ensure that a proper torque on a threaded fastener is achieved. This ensures that the pressure achieved within the system is a result of a proper torque applied to a threaded fastener being achieved, and not a result of the piston at the end of its stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-swivel connector for a fluid operated power tool. The connector has a post with an axis, a swivel member having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the post, a mechanism for limiting rotation of the swivel member about said post axis to an arc less than 360 degrees, and a fitting member mounted to the swivel member. The fitting member is tiltable about the axis of the swivel member through at least a 90 degree arc and rotatable with the swivel member about the axis of the post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow regulation device for mitigating over travel of a piston in a fluid operated tool. The flow regulation device includes a flow channel through which flows an operating fluid to be supplied to operate the piston within the tool and a movable flow restrictor within the flow channel. The flow restrictor has an internal fluid passageway for regulating the flow rate of the operating fluid being supplied to the tool to operate the piston. The flow restrictor also has a frustoconical portion which mates or seats against a portion of the flow channel as fluid is being supplied to operate the piston. A spring is provided to insure that the frustoconical portion seats against the mating portion of the flow channel. When the piston is retracted and operating fluid is being returned to a supply, the force applied by the spring is overcome and the flow restrictor is moved so that the frustoconical portion is unseated from the mating portion.