Abstract: A tie rod for use with a powered hammer assembly is provided that includes a body that defines a first end that is configured as a torque end, a second end that is configured as a fastening connecting end, and a longitudinal axis that extends from the first end to the second end, and a bearing surface that is positioned proximate the torque end along the longitudinal axis and that defines a tangent to the surface that forms an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tie rod for use with a powered hammer assembly is provided that includes a body that defines a first end that is configured as a torque end, a second end that is configured as a fastening connecting end, and a longitudinal axis that extends from the first end to the second end, and a bearing surface that is positioned proximate the torque end along the longitudinal axis and that defines a tangent to the surface that forms an oblique angle with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An adapter for conveying pressurized gas to an accumulator includes a proximal end to receive the canister and establish a fluid communication passage between an interior thereof and an interior of the accumulator. A distal end is configured to engage the accumulator to establish the fluid communication passage. A housing body includes one of the proximal and distal ends and forms a chamber. An adjuster body is adjustably disposed in the housing body. The adjuster body includes the other of the proximal and distal ends and includes adjuster threads configured to engage housing threads to adjust a position of the adjuster body in the housing body. The adjuster body includes an adjustable shut off valve movably disposed in the chamber to close fluid flow through the passageway wherein moving the adjuster into the housing increases pre-load to increase the force necessary to open the shut off valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes an accumulator housing defining a gas reservoir and a liquid volume. A flexible membrane is positioned within the accumulator housing and separates the gas reservoir and the liquid volume. A flow control screen defines a wall of the accumulator housing, has a screen thickness, and includes an exterior face opposing a membrane engagement face. A first slot is formed through the exterior face and has a first slot depth that is less than the screen thickness. A second slot is formed through the membrane engagement face and has a second slot depth that is less than the screen thickness. The first slot and the second slot intersect to fluidly connect an exterior of the accumulator housing with the liquid volume.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a work tool, such as a demolition hammer, on a machine, such as an excavator or a loader. The lubrication system is mounted on drive line fluid connectors of the machine, such as hydraulic or pneumatic hoses. The lubrication system is fully supported by the connectors only and does not require mounting to the machine itself. The lubrication system includes a movable spool powered by the drive fluid of the machine, the spool reciprocating within a sleeve to force lubricant through passages to the work tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic hammer includes a powercell housing that defines a hydraulic inlet and a hydraulic outlet. A work tool is partially received in, and movable with respect to, the powercell housing. A switching spool valve member is positioned in the powercell housing and is movable between a first position and a second position, and includes a control hydraulic surface. A sleeve/liner assembly is positioned in the powercell housing and defines a centerline. A piston with a plurality of hydraulic surfaces is positioned in the sleeve/liner assembly and is movable along the centerline between positions in and out of contact with the work tool. The control hydraulic surface of the switching spool valve member is exposed to fluid pressure in a switching passage, which includes a segment defined by the sleeve/liner assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator includes an accumulator housing defining a gas reservoir and a liquid volume. A flexible membrane is positioned within the accumulator housing and separates the gas reservoir and the liquid volume. A flow control screen defines a wall of the accumulator housing, has a screen thickness, and includes an exterior face opposing a membrane engagement face. A first slot is formed through the exterior face and has a first slot depth that is less than the screen thickness. A second slot is formed through the membrane engagement face and has a second slot depth that is less than the screen thickness. The first slot and the second slot intersect to fluidly connect an exterior of the accumulator housing with the liquid volume.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a work tool, such as a demolition hammer, on a machine, such as an excavator or a loader. The lubrication system is mounted on drive line fluid connectors of the machine, such as hydraulic or pneumatic hoses. The lubrication system is fully supported by the connectors only and does not require mounting to the machine itself. The lubrication system includes a movable spool powered by the drive fluid of the machine, the spool reciprocating within a sleeve to force lubricant through passages to the work tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic hammer includes a powercell housing that defines a hydraulic inlet and a hydraulic outlet. A machine mount that defines a plurality of pin receiving bores is attached to the powercell housing. A work tool is partially received in, and movable with respect to, the powercell housing. A switching spool valve member is positioned in the powercell housing and is movable between a first position and a second position, and includes a control hydraulic surface. A sleeve/liner assembly is positioned in the powercell housing and defines a centerline. A piston with a plurality of hydraulic surfaces is positioned in the sleeve/liner assembly and is movable along the centerline between a first position in contact with the work tool and a second position out of contact with the work tool. The control hydraulic surface of the switching spool valve member is exposed to fluid pressure in a switching passage, which includes a segment defined by the sleeve/liner assembly.

Abstract: A tool assembly (10) such as a hammer assembly, includes a housing (11) defining a chamber (16) and a reciprocating piston (18) arranged in the chamber for cyclical movement in a work stroke and a return stroke. The housing (11) includes a lower housing member (14), an upper housing member (12) and an engaging structure (50) which permits the engagement of the upper housing member with the lower housing member by relative rotation of the upper and lower housing members, such that each of the lower and upper housing members (14, 12) defines a portion of the chamber (16). The upper housing member is a precision component which contains the hydraulic components or other drive components necessary to drive the piston, while the lower housing member can be manufactured separately since it does not need to be manufactured to the high tolerances required by the upper housing member. The resulting tool assembly may be more compact than a conventional tie rod tool assembly.

Abstract: A tool assembly (10), for example a hydraulic or pneumatic hammer assembly, comprises a housing (11) defining a chamber (16), a reciprocating work tool (20) arranged in the chamber for cyclical movement in a work stroke and a return stroke, and a tool retention member (80) arranged to restrain the work tool at the end of the work stroke. The tool assembly (10) includes a shock absorber arranged to absorb impact from the work tool at the end of a stroke. The shock absorber comprises an annular resilient flange (102, 154), which may be cantilevered from the tool retention member (80) to absorb impact at the end of the work stroke or may be provided on a bushing (150) arranged to absorb impact at the end of the return stroke. The shock absorbing flange reduces the transmission of shocks into the tool assembly, thereby providing increased life for tool assembly components.

Abstract: A tool assembly (10), for example a hydraulic or pneumatic hammer assembly, includes a housing (11) defining a chamber (16), a removable reciprocating work tool (20) arranged in the chamber, and a tool retention member (80) having an aperture through which the work tool extends. The housing (11) includes an engaging structure (50) which permits the engagement of the tool retention member (80) with the housing by relative rotation of the tool retention member and housing. The work tool (20) is provided with retention structure (44) such as a retaining flange which prevents the removal of the work tool from the housing when the tool retention member is engaged with the housing. At least some of the disclosed embodiments may eliminate the need for a retainer pin, thereby allowing the work tool to rotate, possibly avoiding wear, increasing tool life and simplifying tool replacement.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a hydraulic or pneumatic tool is described. The lubrication system includes a valve, a lubricant pumping mechanism and a lubricant storage chamber, the valve being adapted to move between a tool-deactivated position and a tool-activated position to cause the lubricant pumping mechanism to displace lubricant from the lubricant storage chamber. A method of distributing lubricant to a hydraulic or pneumatic tool is also described.