Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi jackbolt tensioner and methods of using the same. The present invention alleviates some of the problems associated with presently available multi jackbolt tensioners.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus is adapted to simultaneously tension a number of jackbolts of a multi jackbolt tensioner. The tensioning apparatus may be made compact by overlapping gear disks of the spindle gears and further act as a torque multiplier between the other gears of the tensioning apparatus. The tensioning apparatus can be part of a combination with a power transfer assembly.

Abstract: A multi jack tensioner for applying tension to a fastener, the tensioner comprising: a body having at least one section, including a first body section formed to engage an elongate fastening member or integrally formed therewith; a load bearing member for applying force to a workpiece to be fastened and arranged for location about said fastening member adjacent the body; a plurality of pressure chambers between the load bearing member and the body arranged to displace the at least one body section axially relative to the load bearing member in response to hydraulic pressure; and a plurality of jack bolts extending between the body section and the load bearing member for further displacing the first body section from the load bearing member; wherein application of hydraulic pressure to one or more of the plurality of pressure chambers displaces the first body section from the load bearing member thereby tensioning said fastening member and whereby subsequent tensioning of the fastening member is applied by

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning and release tool for an expansion fastener of a type having an elongate member with a tapered portion for fastening a workpiece. The tool includes a sleeve for placement about the tapered portion; a cylinder(s) including a cylinder for generating compressive force against the workpiece; a release piston for displacing the sleeve and a tension piston for coupling to elongate member. The tension piston and the cylinder(s) defining a tension chamber and the release piston. One of cylinder(s) defines at least one release chamber. Hydraulic ports are in fluid communication with the tension chamber and the release chamber for application of hydraulic pressure to displace the tension piston and the release piston for respectively tensioning the elongate member and for releasing the sleeve from the tapered portion. A tension retaining arrangement retains the elongate member in tension subsequent to removal of hydraulic pressure from the tensioning chamber.

Abstract: A multi jack tensioner for applying tension to a fastener, the tensioner comprising: a body having at least one section, including a first body section formed to engage an elongate fastening member or integrally formed therewith; a load bearing member for applying force to a workpiece to be fastened and arranged for location about said fastening member adjacent the body; a plurality of pressure chambers between the load bearing member and the body arranged to displace the at least one body section axially relative to the load bearing member in response to hydraulic pressure; and a plurality of jack bolts extending between the body section and the load bearing member for further displacing the first body section from the load bearing member; wherein application of hydraulic pressure to one or more of the plurality of pressure chambers displaces the first body section from the load bearing member thereby tensioning said fastening member and whereby subsequent tensioning of the fastening member is applied by

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus is provided that is arranged to simultaneously tension a plurality of jackbolts of a multi jackbolt tensioner (MJT). The tensioning apparatus has a housing that is arranged for receiving a drive gear from a drive unit. The tensioning apparatus includes one or more planetary gears that are retained within the housing and which mesh with the drive gear in use. A ring gear encircles the one or more planetary gears and meshes with them. A plurality of spindle gears is retained in the housing. Each of the spindle gears has a spindle for coupling to a respective one of the jackbolts. The spindle gears are located around the ring gear and mesh with teeth on an outside of the ring gear. In use the drive gear rotates the one or more planetary gears to thereby rotate the spindle gears via the ring gear to thereby tension the jackbolts.

Abstract: A worm drive has a worm and a worm wheel. Meshing assemblies are formed about the worm wheel each comprising a ball and a cup receiving a portion of the ball. Each cup is orientated at an acute angle toward the worm drive relative to a periphery of the wheel. The worm presents a concavely tapering side profile complementing a peripheral portion of the worm wheel. Consequently portions of the balls mesh with the worm and are free to rotate and so reduce shear forces between the worm and the worm wheel in use.

Abstract: A worm drive has a worm and a worm wheel. Meshing assemblies are formed about the worm wheel each comprising a ball and a cup receiving a portion of the ball. Each cup is orientated at an acute angle toward the worm drive relative to a periphery of the wheel. The worm presents a concavely tapering side profile complementing a peripheral portion of the worm wheel. Consequently portions of the balls mesh with the worm and are free to rotate and so reduce shear forces between the worm and the worm wheel in use.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes miniaturized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and ion-selective self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and hydrogel chemistry to measure metal ion concentrations in liquids. The SPR optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The SPR system utilizes an optical window that is coated with the SAM layer or hydrogel material. The SAM layer and hydrogel materials are highly selective to a specific metal ion of interest. The miniaturized SPR sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with the SAM layer or hydrogel material in contact with the liquid. Metal ions selectively attach to the SAM layer or hydrogel material, thereby affecting the SPR signal. Changes in the SPR signal are used to accurately determine the metal ion concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes optical reflectivity (REF) to measure concentrations in liquids. The REF optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The miniaturized REF sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with an optical window in contact with the liquid. Changes in a total internal reflection (TIR) signal are sensitive to temperature and concentration of the liquid. These changes in the TIR signal are used to accurately determine the concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizes miniaturized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and ion-selective self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and hydrogel chemistry to measure metal ion concentrations in liquids. The SPR optical system is packaged in a compact and cost-effective form factor. An electronic circuit drives the optical system. The SPR system utilizes an optical window that is coated with the SAM layer or hydrogel material. The SAM layer and hydrogel materials are highly selective to a specific metal ion of interest. The miniaturized SPR sensor is situated in an optical-fluidic cell or an optical-fluidic manifold with the SAM layer or hydrogel material in contact with the liquid. Metal ions selectively attach to the SAM layer or hydrogel material, thereby affecting the SPR signal. Changes in the SPR signal are used to accurately determine the metal ion concentration in the liquid. The liquids may be either static or dynamic.