Patents by Inventor Peter Koppenhoefer

Peter Koppenhoefer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11426844
    Abstract: A low clearance hydraulic torque tool for tightening or loosening fasteners has an apparatus to transfer torque formed within a link drive means between a first and a second side plate. The apparatus includes: a drive plate having piston engagement means at a first end and a machined face gear with radial serrations at a second end; a ratchet drive having a machined face gear with corresponding radial serrations at a first end and a threaded fastener engagement means at a second end; and a wave spring formed between the drive plate and one of the side plates of the torque tool. The side plates of the link drive means are tapered from a first end, adjacent piston engagement means, to a second end, adjacent the threaded fastener engagement means, such that the width of the link drive means at the second end is substantially thinner than the width of the link drive means at the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Patent number: 11112037
    Abstract: A hose connection system for connecting a hose to a gas turbine engine. The hose connection system may include a connection fitting and a connection tool. The connection fitting may include a first member to be attached to the gas turbine engine, a mating component to be attached to the hose, and a splined second member to be torqued onto the first member. The connection tool may include a drive wheel with a number of drive wheel splines such that the drive wheel splines torque the splined second member onto the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Luis Armando Sanchez Del Valle, Brian Kenneth Bassett, Robert Scott Phillips, Jesse Ellis Barton, Peter Koppenhoefer, Michael F. Dolan, Jr., Nathan Lynn Green, Le Yu
  • Patent number: 11014221
    Abstract: Torque tools of the present invention include: a hydraulic cylinder assembly (40); a drive assembly (600, 60); a flexible linkage connection, or force transfer, assembly formed between the hydraulic cylinder assembly (40) and the drive assembly (600, 60); all of which is formed within or adjacent to a housing assembly (70). They provide large, accurate torque for limited clearance applications. The flexible linkage connection assembly (50) includes a rocker arm assembly (51) and a chain link-pin assembly. The flexible linkage connection assembly (50) maintains the relationship between the line of action of the linear force generated on the rocker arm assembly (51) by the hydraulic piston assembly (44, 50)(ies) and rotary force generated on the ratchet drive socket (9) by the rocker arm assembly (51) via the chain link-pin assembly at close to the optimized position throughout the entire travel of a drive plate assembly (61) of the drive assembly (600, 60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Koppenhoefer, Thomas F. McLoughlin
  • Publication number: 20210146508
    Abstract: This application discloses an apparatus 100 for use with an electrically, hydraulically and/or pneumatically driven torque tool for tightening or loosening inaccessible threaded fasteners including a drive extension assembly 110, a reaction assembly 120 and a socket assembly 130. Advantageously the present invention uses an external reaction member which holds on to two (2) or four (4) adjacent studs while turning a fastener with an extended drive ball and socket joint connection. It more efficiently distributes/reduces the side loads and system strains from the reaction forces on the bolts by bringing the reaction point much closer to the fastener being turned. It allows for a plurality of fastener approach angles and is adaptable to a plurality of fastener obstructions. It's relatively lightweight, easy to maneuver from fastener to fastener and overall user friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventors: Calvin A. Bonas, Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Publication number: 20200254595
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a hydraulically driven torque tool for tightening or loosening threaded fasteners including an internal energy storage assembly for automatic piston return is disclosed. In one embodiment, the internal energy storage assembly operates by a pneumatic fluid which compresses during an advance stroke of a piston assembly of the tool and expands during a retract stroke of the piston assembly of the tool. In such embodiment, the internal energy storage assembly includes a hydraulic assembly and a pneumatic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventors: Eric P. Junkers, Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Patent number: 10562159
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a bolt tightening system. The bolt tightening system may include a bolt, a nut, and a bolt tightening tool. The bolt tightening tool may include an adapter and a chamber. One of the adapter and the chamber applies a torque to the bolt and one holds the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Kenneth Bassett, Robert Scott Phillips, Peter Koppenhoefer, Michael F. Dolan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190232468
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a bolt tightening system. The bolt tightening system may include a bolt, a nut, and a bolt tightening tool. The bolt tightening tool may include an adapter and a chamber. One of the adapter and the chamber applies a torque to the bolt and one holds the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Kenneth Bassett, Robert Scott Phillips, Peter Koppenhoefer, Michael F. Dolan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190234541
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a hose connection system for connecting a hose to a gas turbine engine. The hose connection system may include a connection fitting and a connection tool. The connection fitting may include a first member to be attached to the gas turbine engine, a mating component to be attached to the hose, and a splined second member to be torqued onto the first member. The connection tool may include a drive wheel with a number of drive wheel splines such that the drive wheel splines torque the splined second member onto the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Luis Armando Sanchez Del Valle, Brian Kenneth Bassett, Robert Scott Phillips, Jesse Ellis Barton, Peter Koppenhoefer, Michael F. Dolan, Jr., Nathan Lynn Green, Le Yu
  • Patent number: 10226856
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an automatic reaction pawl-assembly (“ARPA”) which includes; a shaft assembly; a pawl fixed rotatably relative to the shaft assembly; and a torsion lever torsionally coupled with the paw) about the shaft assembly. Advantageously the ARPA enhances belting efficiency, increases torque accuracy and maximizes operator safety. Torsion springs of the shaft assembly overcome a housing spring and automatically disengage the pawl from a ratchet wheel. The pawl releases without advancing the fastener, touching the tool or raising the hydraulic pressure beyond an intended torque value. This allows for hands free operation of one or more tools. During SWULTORC® the operator no longer needs to determine which tool; is locked on to its fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Publication number: 20190030691
    Abstract: Torque tools of the present invention include: a hydraulic cylinder assembly (40); a drive assembly (600, 60); a flexible linkage connection, or force transfer, assembly formed between the hydraulic cylinder assembly (40) and the drive assembly (600, 60); all of which is formed within or adjacent to a housing assembly (70). They provide large, accurate torque for limited clearance applications. The flexible linkage connection assembly (50) includes a rocker arm assembly (51) and a chain link-pin assembly. The flexible linkage connection assembly (50) maintains the relationship between the line of action of the linear force generated on the rocker arm assembly (51) by the hydraulic piston assembly (44, 50)(ies) and rotary force generated on the ratchet drive socket (9) by the rocker arm assembly (51) via the chain link-pin assembly at close to the optimized position throughout the entire travel of a drive plate assembly (61) of the drive assembly (600, 60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventors: Peter KOPPENHOEFER, Thomas F. MCLOUGHLIN
  • Publication number: 20180133869
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a low clearance face tooth ratchet assembly for link drive means of hydraulic torque tools. The face tooth ratchet assembly includes: a drive plate having piston engagement means at a first end and a machined face gear with radial serrations at a second end; and a ratchet drive having a machined face gear with corresponding radial serrations at a first end and a threaded fastener engagement means at a second end. Advantageously the low clearance face tooth ratchet assembly minimizes volume and mass of the tool. Only one drive plate is necessary which is tapered from a first end to a second end. Further, side plates of the link drive means are tapered from a first end to a second end. Such geometry minimizes the width of portions of the link drive means making the second end, adjacent the threaded fastener engagement means, substantially thinner than the first end, adjacent the piston engagement means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventor: Peter KOPPENHOEFER
  • Publication number: 20170182640
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an automatic reaction pawl-assembly (“ARPA”) which includes; a shaft assembly; a pawl fixed rotatably relative to the shaft assembly; and a torsion lever torsionally coupled with the paw) about the shaft assembly. Advantageously the ARPA enhances belting efficiency, increases torque accuracy and maximises operator safety. Torsion springs of the shaft assembly overcome a housing spring and automatically disengage the pawl from a ratchet wheel. The pawl releases without advancing the fastener, touching the tool or raising the hydraulic pressure beyond an intended torque value. This allows for hands free operation of one or more tools. During SWULTORC® the operator no longer needs to determine which tool; is locked on to its fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventor: Peter KOPPENHOEFER
  • Patent number: 9492913
    Abstract: A link attachment 100 for use with a device 300 for effecting an intermittent turning force 360 which oscillates in a forward and a backward direction 361 and 371 for tightening or loosening a fastener including: —a link housing 115; a link drive input 131 operatively connectable with device 300; a link drive lever 102 operatively connected with link drive input 131; a link drive plate 101 operatively connected to link drive lever 102 at a pivot point 125 by a link drive pin 105; a link ratcheting mechanism 103 operatively connected to link drive lever 102 by a drive pawl 104; a link attachment drive output 130 operatively connected with link ratcheting mechanism 103 and operatively connectable with the fastener; and link attachment 100 being operatively connectable to device 300 to provide intermittent turning force 360 to turn the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventors: Calvin A. Bonas, Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Patent number: 9308632
    Abstract: Apparatus for tightening or loosening fasteners pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and manually driven are disclosed, and in one example includes: a receiving member, rotatably supported in the apparatus for tightening or loosening, for receiving the fastener; a device for effecting rotation of the receiving member to tighten or loosen the fastener; and an apparatus which transfers a reaction force during tightening or loosening of the fasteners. The apparatus which transfers a reaction force includes: a first force-transmitting element rotatably attachable about a turning force axis of the device for effecting rotation; and a second force-transmitting element either rotatably attachable about, extensibly and retractably attachable along, or rotatably attachable about and extensibly and retractably attachable along at least a portion of the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Junkers, Peter Koppenhoefer, Calvin A. Bonas
  • Publication number: 20160067849
    Abstract: An offset drive link assembly for transmission and multiplication of torque from a power tool for tightening or loosening a threaded fastener includes: a drive force input assembly having a drive force input engagement to receive a first turning force from the device acting in a first direction; a drive force output assembly operatively engageable with the drive force input engagement, having a drive force output engagement to transfer the first turning force to the fastener; and a reaction force assembly having a reaction force input engagement to receive a second turning force from the device in a second direction and a reaction force output engagement to transfer the second turning force to a stationary object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventors: John K. JUNKERS, Peter KOPPENHOEFER
  • Publication number: 20140366689
    Abstract: A link attachment 100 for use with a device 300 for effecting an intermittent turning force 360 which oscillates in a forward and a backward direction 361 and 371 for tightening or loosening a fastener including: —a link housing 115; a link drive input 131 operatively connectable with device 300; a link drive lever 102 operatively connected with link drive input 131; a link drive plate 101 operatively connected to link drive lever 102 at a pivot point 125 by a link drive pin 105; a link ratcheting mechanism 103 operatively connected to link drive lever 102 by a drive pawl 104; a link attachment drive output 130 operatively connected with link ratcheting mechanism 103 and operatively connectable with the fastener; and link attachment 100 being operatively connectable to device 300 to provide intermittent turning force 360 to turn the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Calvin A Bonas, Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Publication number: 20130161041
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for reaction—free and reaction—assisted tightening and loosening of an industrial fastener including: a motor (102) to generate a turning force to turn the fastener; a turning force multiplication mechanism (210) for a lower speed/higher torque mode including a plurality of turning force multiplication transmitters (211, 212, 213); a turning force impaction mechanism (250) for a higher speed/lower torque mode including a plurality of turning force impaction transmitters (251, 252); a housing (220) operatively connected with at least one multiplication transmitter; a reaction mechanism (401) to transfer a reaction force generated on the housing during the lower speed/higher torque mode to a stationary object; wherein during the lower speed/higher torque mode at least two multiplication transmitters rotate relative to the other; and wherein during the higher speed/lower torque mode at least two multiplication transmitters are unitary to achiev
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Eric P. Junkers, Peter Koppenhoefer, Richard J. Raska
  • Publication number: 20120096997
    Abstract: An apparatus for tightening a threaded fastener of the kind having: a shank with an axial bore; a gauge pin positioned in the bore and connected to the shank, a part of the gauge pin either protruding from, flush with, or recessed from an end face of the fastener; and an indicating member rotatably supported on the either protruding from, flush with, or recessed from part of the gauge pin, the indicating member being arranged such that it is free to rotate when the fastener is unstressed but when the fastener is subjected to a predetermined tensile load the indicating member is held against rotation, wherein the fastener has either a head connected to an end of the shank adjacent the indicating member or, alternatively, has a nut which is threadedly engageable with an end of the shank adjacent the indicating member; the apparatus including: a receiving member, rotatably supported in the apparatus, for receiving the head connected to or for receiving a nut engageable with the shank; a device for effecting rota
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicants: JAMES WALKER ROTABOLT LIMITED, HYTORC DIVISION UNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rod Corbett, Michael Jones, John J Junkers, Peter Koppenhoefer
  • Publication number: 20120090864
    Abstract: Apparatus for tightening or loosening fasteners pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and manually driven are disclosed, and in one example includes: a receiving member, rotatably supported in the apparatus for tightening or loosening, for receiving the fastener; a device for effecting rotation of the receiving member to tighten or loosen the fastener; and an apparatus which transfers a reaction force during tightening or loosening of the fasteners. The apparatus which transfers a reaction force includes: a first force-transmitting element rotatably attachable about a turning force axis of the device for effecting rotation; and a second force-transmitting element either rotatably attachable about, extensibly and retractably attachable along, or rotatably attachable about and extensibly and retractably attachable along at least a portion of the first element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Hytorc Div. Unex Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Junkers, Peter Koppenhoefer, Calvin A. Bonas
  • Patent number: 7950309
    Abstract: A torque intensifying tool for tightening and loosening threaded connectors has at least one torque intensifier unit with a torque intensifier housing portion, an input and a first output and a second output, a drive connected with the input unit for transmitting a torque from the drive through the intensifying unit to a threaded connector, so that in one mode of operation the housing portion together with the first and the second outputs turn in the same direction, and in another mode of operation the housing portion together with one of the first and second outputs receives a turning force in one direction while the other one of the first and second outputs receives an equal turning force in the opposite direction, and so that one of the first and second output means turns in the one mode and in the another mode while the other of the first and second output means turns in the one mode and reacts in the another mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Unex Corporation
    Inventors: John K Junkers, Peter Koppenhoefer, Calin Voicu, Neil Smith, Edward Kim