Abstract: A method for tightening a screw for fastening a construction panel to a support of the construction panel, in which the fastening screw is screwed through the construction panel and then through at least part of the support, includes a monitoring of a change over time of a tightening torque of the fastening screw, with determination of a first maximum torque value and then of a second minimum torque value, and after determination of the second minimum torque value, a stoppage of the tightening of the fastening screw for a torque value, termed stoppage value, corresponding to a third maximum torque value or being determined after an occurrence of a third maximum torque value.

Abstract: A screw fastening apparatus for fastening a screw member having a bearing surface with respect to a member to be fastened by rotating the screw member from a theoretical seating point to a target rotational angle, including a rotational angle sensor which senses rotational angle values of the screw member for fastening the screw member, a torque detector which detects torque values for fastening the screw member, a torque value difference detector which detects a plurality of torque value differences, each of the torque value differences is a difference of the torque values detected at intervals of a constant rotational angle, a slip detector which detects a slip of the screw member with respect to the member to be fastened, from an average of the torque value differences, and a screw fastening discontinuing unit which instructs to discontinue the screw fastening when the slip is detected by the slip detector.

Abstract: In systems and methods for detecting steps in connection processes used in well operations using drilling rigs to manipulate tubular strings (such as drill strings and casing strings), sensor data gathered by data acquisition systems (such as electronic data recorders) associated with a drilling rig is analyzed to identify time intervals corresponding to specific steps constituting the complete connection process in question (such as connection make-up or connection break-out). These time intervals are compared against target or benchmark values for the corresponding process steps, thus facilitating identification of “invisible lost time” (ILT), determination of the causes of the ILT, and determination of appropriate measures to mitigate or eliminate the causes of the ILT. These systems and methods eliminate or minimize the need for onsite data collection by human observers using stopwatches or other manual data collection means.

Abstract: Methods and systems for installing and verifying installation of a fastener assembly using predictive verification. A method includes receiving, at a processor, at least one fastener assembly hole characteristic of a fastener assembly hole. The method further includes determining, via the processor, whether the at least one fastener assembly hole characteristic is within a predetermined range of fastener assembly hole variable and, upon determining the at least one fastener assembly hole characteristic is within the predetermined range of fastener assembly hole variables, transmitting instructions, via the processor, to a fastening device to initiate installation of a fastener assembly in the fastener assembly hole. The processor then receives at least one installation value of the fastener assembly and determines via the processor, whether the installation value is within a predetermined range of fastener installation variables.

Abstract: Aspects of the present relate to automated load cell identification. A method is provided. The method generally includes sending, from a load cell to a remote processing system, identification information associated with the load cell; and determining whether the load cell is valid for use during makeup of a threaded connection of a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular based on the identification information associated with the load cell. The load cell identification information may include a measurement range of torque values supported by the load cell. The method can include comparing the measurement range of torque values to a job defined range of torque values associated with the makeup of the threaded connection; and determining that the load cell is valid for use based on the comparison. The identification information can be used to detect the load cell type, range, and calibration data before tubular makeup to ensure data quality and safety at work.

Abstract: A method for inspecting the quality of an alignment between the elements of an assembly, and an associated device, the method of which comprises tasks consisting of measuring a first parameter with a first measuring means, said first parameter being selected from a movement parameter of at least one part of the double-access fastening means, an assembly force parameter or a torque, measuring a second parameter with a second measuring means, said second parameter being selected from the same parameters and being different from the first parameter, calculating a value of a first derivative of a function representing a change in the second parameter relative to the first parameter by suitable information processing means, and analyzing the value of the first derivative to check the alignment between the elements to be assembled.

Abstract: A method for assembling a structure is described. The method includes locating a position in an assembly stack-up where a one-sided fastener is to be installed, drilling a hole through the assembly stack-up at the position, countersinking the hole to a specified depth, operating a calibrated probe to determine at least parameter associated with one or more of the hole and the stack-up proximate the hole, inserting the one-sided fastener into the hole, applying a rotational torque to the one-sided fastener to complete installation of the one-sided fastener, and comparing a measurement of angular displacement required to complete installation of the one-sided fastener to a range of angular displacement indicative of correct installation of the fastener.

Abstract: A torque applying system includes a torque applying tool having a motor and rotating output spindle, a torque sensor that measures an instantaneous torque exerted by the output spindle during a fastening cycle, and a controller operatively connected to the tool to control the tool's rotational speed during the fastening cycle. The controller is programmed to control the tool's rotational speed to be [(?F??C)/t]/r, wherein t is a time constant of speed control, ?F is a target final torque for the fastening cycle, and r is a torque rate.

Abstract: A threaded element in the shape of a wire thread insert with a specific geometric design is disclosed. This threaded element contains, in particular, a narrowed helical winding of at least two helical winding sections that enclose one or a plurality of sequential secants. Based on this geometric design of the threaded element, a matched installation process is described.

Abstract: An alignment method includes: disposing an alignment mark provided to a positioned member and a reference mark provided to a surface of an alignment mask so that the alignment mark and the reference mark can face each other; capturing an image from the other surface side of the alignment mask, which is the opposite surface of the alignment mask from the surface where the reference mark is disposed, the image concurrently showing the alignment mark and the reference mark; performing a surface treatment on at least a region of the positioned member side of the alignment mask, which is captured as the image, rather than on the reference mark side thereof, the surface treatment providing a high contrast ratio to each alignment mark and reference mark on the captured image; and thereafter aligning the alignment mark with the reference mark, while checking the image.

Abstract: A tappet clearance setting apparatus includes a screwdriver, a pneumatic portion, and a controller. The screwdriver engages the tappet screw and the pneumatic portion provides a monitored and air flow through an engine cylinder. The controller directs the screwdriver to tighten the tappet until the air flow through the cylinder is indicative of a valve opening. The controller then directs the screwdriver to reverse directions until the sensed air flow indicates that the valve has closed, which further indicates that the tappet screw is in a reference position. From the reference position, the controller directs the screwdriver to loosen the tappet a predetermined amount to establish the desired tappet clearance.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: A bolt is fastened up to a predetermined snug torque Ts and then the bolt is further fastened by a specified angle ?t from a bolt angle corresponding to the snug torque Ts. Herein, in order to obtain excess and deficiency of the fastening angle up to the snug torque Ts, an angle-variation difference between the fastening angle ?sb of the bolt at the point where the fastening torque of the bolt has reached the snug torque Ts and a standard angle ?sa of the snug torque Ts is calculated. And, addition of this angle-variation difference to a base angle is set as the new specified angle ?t to correct the excess and deficiency. Accordingly, variation in a fastening shaft force can be restrained even if the snug torque is set at a relatively high torque in the bolt fastening method using the torque+angle method.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by an apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and apparatus for connecting threaded members while ensuring that a proper connection is made, particularly for premium grade connections. In one embodiment, a method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore or a riser system is provided. The method includes the acts of operating a power drive unit, thereby rotating a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member; measuring the rotation of the first threaded tubular member; and compensating the rotation measurement by subtracting a deflection of at least one of: the power drive unit, and one of the tubular members.

Abstract: Threaded member assembling can be performed using a rotational/axial-movement-transmitting unit including an upper frame; a motor held by the upper frame; a female threaded member secured to the upper frame; a male threaded member assembled in the female threaded member, the male threaded member having a rotational/axial-movement-transmitting end at one end, and having a driven rotary end at the other end; and a joint member connecting an output terminal of the motor to the driven rotary end for transmitting rotation torque from the output terminal to the driven rotary end and for allowing axial movement of the male threaded member relative to the motor.

Abstract: A rivet is inserted into a workpiece by apparatus that includes an internal roller screw linear actuator in which rotational movement of an internally threaded cylinder is converted into linear movement of a fastener insertion actuator assembly. The cylinder is driven in rotation by a servo-controlled motor. The angular velocity of the cylinder required to deliver the required energy to effect fastener insertion is calculated and the motor is first controlled to accelerate the cylinder up to the calculated angular velocity, the actuator assembly simultaneously being moved by the cylinder towards the workpiece. The motor is then controlled to maintain the angular velocity of the cylinder at not less than the calculated magnitude at least until insertion of the fastener. The cylinder stores kinetic energy by virtue of its inertia. Using this inertia to insert fasteners eliminates the need for position or force feedback control. The process allows for a rapid cycle time and the apparatus is compact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a hydrodynamic bearing in a motor is provided. The method comprises affixing a first bearing upon a shaft, applying an axial tension force to the shaft, and affixing a second bearing upon the shaft in a spaced apart relation to the first bearing, as the axial force is applied to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and an apparatus for accurately estimating the tension or clamp force in a bolted joint. An installed fastener is rotated and the torque necessary to rotate the fastener and the angle through which the fastener is rotated are measured. The angle and torque values are plotted against one another such that the angle values are plotted on an angle axis and the torque values are plotted on a torque axis. A tangent is extended from the plot towards the angle axis. The point at which the tangent crosses the angle axis is defined as zero degrees and is called the “elastic origin”. The known angle through which the fastener rotates is used to scale the angle axis. The angle from the elastic origin to the point at which the tangent was drawn is defined as the M-alpha angle and is directly proportional to the clamp force created by the bolted joint or tension in the fastener.

Abstract: One or more force application members (e.g., a force transmission member and/or a hydraulic force application member) may be employed to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload and/or a compression) to an adjustable spacer of a bearing assembly. The hydraulic force application member may provide a first stage of the adjustment to the spacer, and the force transmission member may be threadingly rotated to apply a second stage of the adjustment to the spacer. An additional force application member may (e.g., contemporaneously) oppose at least one of the force application members in the providing of the adjustment to the spacer. This opposing force may cause a gap between certain surfaces (e.g., in a press) until the adjustment to the spacer is completed. The closure of the gap may serve to indicate the completion of the desired adjustment to the spacer. A housing rotatable on a portion of the bearing assembly may be prevented from rotating at the closure of the gap.

Abstract: A fin folding machine has a base, a pair of vertical side support members extending from the base. A top support member is spaced from the base and is attached to the pair of vertical side support members. The base, pair of vertical side support members, and the top support member defining an opening therebetween. A plurality of tools are movably positioned within the opening. A bar has a plurality of sensors positioned therein abut a plurality of sides. The sensors send corresponding signals to a controller which monitors the position of the plurality of tools relative to a preestablished position. And, the plurality of tools are moved to the preestablished position. The sensors monitor the preestablished position of a depth and taper of a plurality of deep serpentine upper grooves and a plurality of deep serpentine lower grooves.

Abstract: A method for self-programming a computerized power nutrunner control system for tightening a number of similar screw joints to a desired final torque level (MF) is provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) tightening initially at a low speed one of the screw joints up to the final torque level (MF), while detecting and analyzing one or more screw joint characteristics, (ii) adjusting successively during a number of succeeding tightening processes one or more nutrunner operating parameters with respect to the detected and analyzed screw joint characteristics, and (iii) locking the self-programming after the nutrunner operating parameters have been adjusted to accomplish a safe tightening of respective following ones of the screw joints to the final torque level (MF) at a satisfactory short time interval.

Abstract: Method of fixedly connecting together externally and internally threaded tubes by tight engagement of externally and internally threaded portions of the tubes, wherein a wrenching operation is performed to rotate the externally and internally threaded tubes relative to each other with the externally and internally threaded portions engaging each other while an axial force is applied between the tubes. A physical quantity relating to a coefficient of friction between said tubes is obtained on the basis of a detected wrenching torque applied to rotate the tubes relative to each other and the axial force, and a terminating condition for terminating the wrenching operation is determined on the basis of the obtained physical quantity. The wrenching operation is terminated when the terminating condition has been satisfied. Apparatus for practicing the method and recording medium storing a control program for the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and an apparatus for accurately estimating the tension or clamp force in a bolted joint. An installed fastener is rotated and the torque necessary to rotate the fastener and the angle through which the fastener is rotated are measured. The angle and torque values are plotted against one another such that the angle values are plotted on an angle axis and the torque values are plotted on a torque axis. A tangent is extended from the plot towards the angle axis. The point at which the tangent crosses the angle axis is defined as zero degrees and is called the “elastic origin”. The known angle through which the fastener rotates is used to scale the angle axis. The angle from the elastic origin to the point at which the tangent was drawn is defined as the M-alpha angle and is directly proportional to the clamp force created by the bolted joint or tension in the fastener.

Abstract: A process is provided for automatically screw-connecting two components using the torque-controlled tightening method, and to a stud and a union nut provided for carrying out the process. Also provided are an automatic fitting machine and a connecting element via which the two components are screw-connected. In order for it to be possible to execute the screw-connection operation quickly and to obtain a secure connection between the two components, the process provides for the connecting element first of all to be pre-tightened with rotary-angle control and then to be tightened definitively with torque control. The connecting element has two same-direction threaded sections of different pitches and each threaded section is screw-connected to one component in each case. The stud for carrying out the process has a screw head for the engagement of a suitable fitting tool, a marking which indicates the angular position of the stud being arranged on the screw head.

Abstract: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.

Abstract: A sucker rod tool system for oil wells monitors both torque and angular displacement of a three-element sucker rod connection. The tool system engages two sucker rods that are at least partially screwed into opposite ends of a sucker rod coupling. The system, however, does not engage the coupling adjoining both rods. The system determines whether a connection has been properly tightened by sensing the torque and angular displacement of the connection as it is being tightened, and comparing the data to a stored reference set of data or curves. In some embodiments, a properly tightened connection is based upon the number of straight lines that are needed to adequately approximate a plotted curve of the sensed torque versus angular displacement. Tightness of each connection of a string of sucker rods is recorded with reference to each connection's depth within a well to later serve as an aide in diagnosing connection failures. In some cases, the energy required to unscrew a connection is also recorded.