Gear-operated Patents (Class 81/56)
  • Patent number: 11219478
    Abstract: A surgical tool for removing a portion of an implant is provided that includes a housing, a motor contained within the housing and coupled to the housing, and an output shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the motor and the distal end has an opening configured to rotateably engage an implant. The surgical tool further includes a counter-torque sleeve extending around the output shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the housing and the distal end is configured to couple to the implant relative to the counter-torque sleeve. Upon a rotational force to the implant, the forces transmitted by the output shaft and the counter-torque sleeve are balanced by the coupling of the output shaft and counter-torque sleeve through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Beale, Harold Taylor, Jeffrey Chapin, Timothy Proulx, Jared Alden Judson
  • Patent number: 11203089
    Abstract: A fastening system including a frame, a movement control assembly, a fastener drive assembly and a collar presenting assembly. The frame can be coupled to an outside structure, for example, with a part that is to be coupled with a fastener attached to the frame. The movement control assembly is configured to controllably move the fastener drive assembly relative to the frame and the part so as to grasp the collar of the fastener, engage the threaded pin of the fastener and to threadedly engage the two structures together. The collar presenting assembly presents a collar of a fastener to the fastener drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: JR Automation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Nathan Anderson, Joseph Robert Russell
  • Patent number: 11109926
    Abstract: A surgical instrument holder includes a carriage and a drive coupler. The carriage is configured for movable engagement to a surgical robotic arm. The drive coupler includes an outer member and a first gear rotatably disposed therein. The outer member extends from the carriage and defines a lateral slot configured for lateral receipt of a surgical instrument. The first gear defines a lateral slot and is rotatable within the outer member to a first position, in which the lateral slot of the first gear is in alignment with the lateral slot of the outer member such that a surgical instrument is receivable within the drive coupler through the lateral slots of the outer member and the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Chi Min Seow, Mark Macleod, Michael Zemlok
  • Patent number: 11000940
    Abstract: A fastener assembly (100) comprising: a housing member (1); a drive mechanism (2) accommodated within the housing member (1), wherein the drive mechanism (2) comprises of: a hollow drive shaft (3) fixed to the drive mechanism (2), wherein torque from the drive mechanism (2) is transferred to the hollow drive shaft (3); a resilient member (4) housed within the hollow drive shaft (3) accommodates a detachable torque driver (5), wherein the torque driver (5) is provided within the hollow drive shaft (3) and is capable to receive torque from the hollow drive shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Arvind Kumar Tirchirapolly Paramasivan
  • Patent number: 10974397
    Abstract: Robot (1) to tighten a series of nuts (2) pre-screwed on bolts (3) arranged in a curved flange connection (4), which bolts (3) project from the nuts (2) pre-screwed in substantially a nut plane (13) by a projection length (15), which robot (1) comprises a drive to move the robot (1) along the curved flange connection (4) and a tool (10) to tighten the nuts (2) with a predefined torque both connected to a support platform (6), characterized in that the tool (10) is built to screw a tension nut (26) onto the bolt (3) to elongate the bolt (3) and to tighten the pre-screwed nut (2) with a predefined torque with a tightening wheel (35), which robot (1) comprises positioning means to substantially align the axis (28) of the tension nut (26) with the axis (14) of the bolt (3) by lowering the tool (10) onto the bolt (3) in order to screw the tension nut (26) onto the bolt (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: ADMEDE AB
    Inventors: Kenneth Johst, Lars Jagd, Gerald Marinitsch
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 10493603
    Abstract: A fastener removal apparatus is configured for removing a nut from a threaded shank and includes a gearbox assembly, an outer socket, and a tubular sleeve member. The gearbox assembly has an input member, a first output member, a second output member, and a plurality of gears. The first output member and the second output member rotation in opposite directions about a longitudinal axis in response to rotation imparted to the input member. The outer socket extends between a first end defining a female polygonal opening and a second end engaged for concurrent rotation with the first output member. The tubular sleeve member extends between a first end defining a threaded opening for receiving threads defined by the threaded shank and a second end engaged for concurrent rotation with the second output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Lambertus Dekam
  • Patent number: 10246953
    Abstract: A system for disassembling components of a drill string includes a primary wrench, a secondary wrench, and a bit removal basket. The primary wrench has a pair of jaws in which at least one of the jaws is moveable in relation to the other. The secondary wrench is disposed at a position lower than the primary wrench and is configured to define a pair of beveled faces that are adapted to restrict a rotational movement of at least one component of the drill string. The bit removal basket is disposed at a position lower than the secondary wrench. The bit removal basket is configured to define an opening therethrough. A shape of the opening is configured to correspond with profiles of at least two types of drill bits, one of the at least two types of drill bits being present for use in the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Fernando Rene Gonzalez Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10173309
    Abstract: An interface device for tensioning or relaxing a bolt in a nut-and-bolt assembly wherein the bolt extends in an axial direction. The interface device comprises a frame having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is provided with a rotatably-mounted nut ring for receiving and rotating a conventional nut on the bolt. The second end portion comprises a mechanical tensioner nut configured for reacting on the frame and for receiving a part of the bolt that extends beyond the conventional nut. The mechanical tensioner nut is configured for being driven by a low-pressure torque tension tool to tension or relax the bolt in operational use of the interface device. The device provides a very compact torqueing solution for use with low-pressure torqueing tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Hytorc Norge AS
    Inventors: Andreas Holst Jaeger, Ruben Helmikstol
  • Patent number: 9878430
    Abstract: A tensioning device for extending a threaded bolt by tensioning the threaded end section has a supporting tube surrounding the threaded end section, a cylinder arranged in continuation of the supporting tube and having at least one piston axially movable therein, an exchange socket which is screwable to the threaded end section and is configured such that it can be carried along axially by the piston, and a pin arranged in an axially movable manner in a longitudinal guide in the exchange socket. The pin end is axially supportable against that end of the threaded bolt that has the threaded end section. In order to assess the actually usable thread projection even in cases in which known tensioning devices provide imprecise results, the pin is formed in a radially widened manner at its pin end compared with the pin cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Patent number: 9802296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a screwing device (1) with two tools (2, 3) for producing or releasing a screw connection between two fastening elements (10, 11). For a simple and compact structure of the screwing device (1), the invention provides that the tools (2, 3) are during the operation of the screwing device (1) connected to one another for rotation about common rotation axes (D1, D2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DR. HIELSCHER GMBH
    Inventors: Harald Hielscher, Holger Hielscher, Thomas Hielscher
  • Patent number: 9765771
    Abstract: A positive displacement machine comprises a cylinder inside which there are a mobile piston, at least one first and one second insulation chamber containing a respective set of gaskets, at least one first and one second gland each of which is suitable for operating on one of the sets of gaskets, each gland comprising a tubular threaded portion and a ring nut fixedly attached to the tubular threaded portion. A sleeve able to slide with respect to said cylinder has a first end in contact with the first set of gaskets and a second threaded end for receiving in engagement the tubular threaded portion of the second gland, the sleeve being slidingly engaged by the first gland, and at least one of the ring nuts being a cylindrical gear wheel with straight teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: PERONI POMPE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luciano Manara, Alberto Randi, Giorgio Vinciguerra
  • Patent number: 9353594
    Abstract: Systems and methods for replacing a hose coupled to a BOP located subsea are provided. Embodiments include coupling an electromechanical tool to a hose fitting coupled to the BOP, and rotating, with the electromechanical tool, a first swivel fitting with respect to the hose fitting until a first hose is decoupled from the hose fitting. Some embodiments may also include coupling, with the electromechanical tool, a second swivel fitting to the hose fitting to couple a second hose to the hose fitting. The second swivel fitting may be rotated with respect to the hose fitting until the second hose is securely coupled to the hose fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: TRANSOCEAN SEDCO FOREX VENTURES LIMITED
    Inventor: Harinder Singh Arya
  • Patent number: 8671804
    Abstract: An improved fastener installation tool is provided that is used to install a threaded nut onto a threaded fastener bolt where access to the bolt head is not possible. The fastener bolt has a threaded shank with a noncircular recess that is adapted to receive a complimentary shaped hex key or hold bit installed in a socket gear of a power driven tool which is used to install a threaded nut onto the threaded shank of the fastener bolt. A spring biased retainer slide with an extended rod portion hold the hex key securely in a locked position. Manual retraction of the retainer slide allows the extended rod portion to release the hex key so it may be replaced when damaged without any need for any further disassembly or need for additional disassembly tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Edward Galat
  • Publication number: 20130180364
    Abstract: An improved fastener installation tool is provided that is used to install a threaded nut onto a threaded fastener bolt where access to the bolt head is not possible. The fastener bolt has a threaded shank with a noncircular recess that is adapted to receive a complimentary shaped hex key or hold bit installed in a socket gear of a power driven tool which is used to install a threaded nut onto the threaded shank of the fastener bolt. A spring biased retainer slide with an extended rod portion hold the hex key securely in a locked position. Manual retraction of the retainer slide allows the extended rod portion to release the hex key so it may be replaced when damaged without any need for any further disassembly or need for additional disassembly tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Edward Galat
  • Patent number: 8225699
    Abstract: The planetary gear coaxially driven screw and nut structure of the present invention is to install the inner ring gear in the nut and install at least one of the radial arm structures of the planetary gear in the bolt; and by means of coaxial drive of the sun gear with the nut center, effects locking or loosening operation of the screw and nut set or screw structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8225698
    Abstract: The present invention of a sun gear-driven magnification driving tool relies on randomly attachable and removable sun gear-driven magnification driving tools to lock, adjust, and disassemble applied mechanism with screw structure such as screw locking device, screw adjusting device, and individual screw and nut set that do not need the installation of outer ring gear and planetary gear while reducing the installation cost for over a pair of such mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8220365
    Abstract: The present invention of a planetary gear-driven magnification driving tool relies on randomly attachable and removable planetary gear-driven magnification driving tools to lock, adjust, and disassemble applied mechanism with screw structure such as screw locking device, screw adjusting device, and individual screw and nut set that do not need the installation of outer ring gear and planetary gear while reducing the installation cost for over a pair of such mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 7631580
    Abstract: A wrench for tightening threaded male and female pipe nuts includes a wrench gear rotatable within a housing and having a nut slot so that the wrench gear can be engaged upon one of the nuts. A pair of pinion drive gears engage with gear teeth of the wrench gear at spaced apart locations on the periphery so that at least one of the pinion drive gears is engaged with the wrench gear at all times during rotation of the wrench gear to tighten the one nut. A nut holding plate has a nut slot and is mounted on the housing by a pin and slot arrangement so that the nut holding plate can shift to enable the nut holding plate to be engaged upon the other nut and hold the other nut stationary while the wrench gear is rotated to tighten the one nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Lu, Michael M. Arvaneh, Klaus Philipps
  • Patent number: 7287447
    Abstract: An improved fastener installation tool is provided of the type having a fixture pin for seated reception into a mating recess at the shank end of a threaded fastener, while a power-driven tool socket installs a threaded nut onto the fastener shank. The installation tool includes an improved spring-loaded clutch unit for normally supporting the fixture pin against rotation, but permitting fixture pin rotation in response to a torque load exceeding a predetermined limit thereby preventing fixture pin breakage. The clutch unit is adapted for quick and easy disengagement from the fixture pin, and pivotal displacement to an out-of-the-way position to permit quick and easy fixture pin removal and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Jack E. Pettit, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7062998
    Abstract: A hydraulic threaded bolt tightening device (1) for tightening and loosening large bolted connections, comprising a cylinder supported on a machine part to be clamped by means of a threaded bolt and a nut (2), at least one piston which is guided thereon in a sealed manner, with a threaded bush screwed on to one end of the threaded bolt and which can be pressurized, a pressure medium supply (4) to the threaded bolt tightening device (1), an adjusting ring (6) arranged in the cylinder and connected to the nut (2) by a form fit, and a rotary drive (7) for the adjusting ring (6) with a drive connection (16) to the adjusting ring (6), a rotation angle sensor (8) on the rotary drive, a control device (9) for driving the pressure medium supply (4) to the threaded bolt tightening device (1) and the rotation of the rotary drive (7), an input device (1), and the rotation of the rotary drive (7), an input device (10) for entering the pitch of the threaded bolt, and a computer device (11) for converting the rotation angl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventors: Jörg Hohmann, Frank Hohmann
  • Patent number: 7013759
    Abstract: A device for torquing a tubular connection. The device comprises an upper assembly having an upper jaw member, a lower assembly having a lower jaw member, an upper gear for advancing the upper jaw member, and a lower gear for advancing the lower jaw member. The upper jaw member includes a first jaw operatively associated with a first rack, a second jaw operatively associated with a second rack, and a third jaw operatively associated with a third rack. The lower jaw member includes a fourth jaw operatively associated with a fourth rack, a fifth jaw operatively associated with a fifth rack, and a sixth jaw operatively associated with a sixth rack. A method of torquing a first tubular with a second tubular is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Access Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Childress, II
  • Patent number: 6959625
    Abstract: An improved fastener installation tool is provided of the type having a fixture pin for seated reception into a mating recess at the shank end of a threaded fastener, while a power-driven socket installs a threaded nut onto the fastener shank. The installation tool incorporates a simplified spring-loaded clutch assembly including a dual function spring member for urging the fixture pin axially forwardly relative to the power-driven socket, whereby the fixture pin slidably retracts against the applied spring force as the nut is threaded onto the fastener shank. The spring member additionally urges a cam pin into normal engagement with a lobed cam wheel carried by the fixture pin for normally preventing fixture pin rotation, but wherein the cam pin retracts to accommodate limited fixture pin rotation in response to a torque overload condition thereby protecting the fixture pin against deformation or breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jack E. Pettit, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6935209
    Abstract: A fastener installation tool is provided that is used to install a threaded nut onto a threaded fastener of the type having a non-circular recess in an end of the fastener that matingly engages with a male member that has a complementary shaped non-circular tip end to the non-circular recess. The fastener installation tool generally has a head, a gear, a socket, a key, a key holder and a spring. The key has a shank with a non-circular external surface that matingly engages with a non-circular aperture in the key holder. The mating engagement between the key and the key holder provides the key with resistance to rotation and permits the use of a lower gauge spring that facilitates replacement of the key from the fastener installation tool. The key, key holder and spring are also available as a kit for retrofitting a fastener installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Global Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Lantow, Charles H. Dibley
  • Patent number: 6722232
    Abstract: A manually-powered drive device includes a drive train substantially disposed in a hollow housing. A laterally sliding transmission shaft extending laterally in an intermediate frame portion of the housing includes first and second circumferential recesses. A transmission selector spring flexes and removably slidably couples within the first circumferential recess or the second circumferential recess as the transmission shaft laterally slides between alternate positions, thereby selecting the desired rotational direction for manipulating fasteners. Another manually-powered drive device includes a first drive assembly extending coaxially in the barrel portion of the housing and a second drive assembly extending in the intermediate frame portion of the housing between any acute angle and any obtuse angle to the first drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: CRT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin D. Day
  • Patent number: 6490952
    Abstract: A fastening system includes a bolt member, a nut to be turned, and a torque power tool operative for applying a torque to the bolt member and a torque to the nut to be turned simultaneously, so that during turning of the nut, the bolt member does not turn or twist due to torsion or side load, the bolt member including a rod and a washer having an axis, the rod having at least two portions located substantially at its ends, one of the portions being a threaded portion and located at one of the ends of said rod to connect with the nut to be turned while another of the portion located at the other of the ends of the rod is adapted to connect with an object, the washer having two opposite bearing faces extending substantially perpendicular to the axis and being subjected to turning friction, the bearing faces including an upper bearing face adapted to cooperate with a bearing face of the nut to be turned and a lower bearing face adapted to cooperate with a bearing face of one of the at least two parts, the torque
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 6487940
    Abstract: A nut driver is provided in which a torque is delivered to a fastener while a bolt is rotationally maintained in a fixed position thereby tightening the fastener onto the bolt. The nut driver also removably attaches to pulse gun and includes a planetary gear arrangement. The nut driver is interchangeable with a variety of pulse guns. Although, conventional devices provide a torque to rotationally couple a nut to a bolt, the feature of interchangeability which allows utilization of different pulse guns is not available. The ability to interchange pulse guns allows the nut driver to easily be used with a variety of drive devices or pulse guns. Furthermore, the nut driver converts the variety of pulse guns into useful driving tools for fastening nut and bolts or other fastener pairs together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Associated Toolmakers Incorporated
    Inventors: David P. Hart, Roger L. Smith, George R. Pearl, Jr., John W. Moander
  • Publication number: 20010039858
    Abstract: A fastening device, comprising a bolt member, a nut to be turned, and a torque power tool operative for applying a torque to the bolt member and a torque to the nut to be turned simultaneously, so that during tightening of the fastener and turning of the nut, a free shank of the bolt member does not turn or twist due to torsion or side load, the bolt member including a rod and a washer having an axis, the rod having at least two portions located substantially at its ends, one of the portions being a threaded portion and located at one of the ends of said rod to connect with the nut to be turned while another of the portion located at the other of the ends of the rod is adapted to connect with an object, the washer having two opposite bearing faces extending substantially perpendicular to the axis and being subjected to turning friction, the bearing faces including an upper bearing face adapted to cooperate with a bearing face of the nut to be turned and a lower bearing face adapted to cooperate with a bearing
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: JOHN K. JUNKERS
  • Patent number: 6286394
    Abstract: Arrangement for changing the nut (11), the latter holding a roll ring, on a cantilever-mounted roll shaft (2) having a thread (13) for the nut (11), by means of a changeover apparatus. This has a threaded sleeve (50) which is provided with a thread (12a) that matches the thread (13) of the roll shaft (2) in order to take the nut (11). It has a centring device (49) for placement in alignment against the roll shaft (2). To ensure that the nut (11) can be screwed onto the roll shaft (2) from the threaded sleeve (50) even when the position of their threads does not match exactly, the threaded sleeve is moveable and inhibited against rotation in relation to the centring device (49) and/or in relation to the roll shaft (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Uwe Kark
  • Patent number: 6253642
    Abstract: A power tool for tightening and loosening a bolt connected with a nut and a washer arranged so that the nut banks with one of its sides onto one of washer faces, the power tool comprising a housing, drive means accommodated in the housing, and at least two coaxial connecting means including a first connecting means provided for engaging and turning the nut and subjected to a turning force in one direction, and a second connecting means subjected to a turning force in an opposite direction, the coaxial connecting means being formed so that one of the coaxial connecting means is being turned while the other of the two coaxial connecting means stand still depending on a turning friction encountered as a result of one being connected with the washer while the other one is connected with the nut, or the result of one being connected with the bolt and the other one is connected with the nut, or as a result of one being connected with a reaction arm adapted to abut against an adjacent stationary object while the oth
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 6058810
    Abstract: For moving an element in an axial direction relative to an object, a plurality of screw members are screwable in the element and are arranged around an axis so as to be spaced from one another, each of the screw members has a first end adapted to interact with the object and an opposite second end, and a drive unit includes an action drive and a reaction drive arranged coaxially to the axis and with one another and turnable in opposite directions, one of the drives engages an outer circumference of the screw members while the other drives engages an inner circumference of the screw members so that when the power tool is activated the drives are turned in opposite directions and turn the screw members in one and the same direction to thereby move the element in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 5964128
    Abstract: A bolt tightening device for tightening torque controlled bolts each having at one end thereof a tip to be sheared has an outer socket engageable with a nut, and an inner socket engageable with the tip, the inner socket being axially slidable relative to the outer socket and biased outward by a spring, the two sockets being coupled to planetary gear mechanisms for delivering opposed torques to the respective sockets, a knockout pin extending into the inner socket for forcibly removing the bolt tip as sheared. The knockout pin for knocking out the sheared bolt tip is made contractable by being composed of a shank and a head provided on the shank and biased outward of the shank by a spring, The length of backward stroke of the knockout pin required for knocking out the tip is minimized by contracting the pin to thereby shorten the length of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Maeda Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunobu Kaneyama, Daijiro Yano, Shozo Matsumura, Kenji Sato
  • Patent number: 5778741
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the assembly of an aerospace fastener system of a torque limiting, frangible collar nut and pin in a non-interference fit application wherein the pin develops increased frictional resistance to rotation with increased torque loading applied to the fastener. In the method, the nut is run up on the pin while rotation of the pin is retarded by a key which has a limited rotational movement and which is restrained against rotation by a resilient spring force. The method is practiced with an improved L-head for a rotationally driven tool in which the key holder of the L-head has a limited degree of rotational moveability which is resilient restrained by a spring link which includes a cable which is passed about a stationary drum to provide a dampening of the spring force. The invention greatly extends the useful life of keys as the torsional loads transmitted to the keys are held within safe limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Fairchild Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald W. Batten
  • Patent number: 5699702
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improvement in rotational wrenching tools used in the aerospace industry to apply a fastener nut to a fastener pin at a limiting, preload torsion. The pins used for the fasteners have an end recess which receives a rotational stationary key that is supported in the tool by a key holder which is slidably received in a central passage of the rotationally driven socket sleeve of the tool. This invention provides a first rotational detent at the forward end of the key holder and the central through passage and a first spring to bias the key holder axially forward into engagement with said first rotational detent to cause the key holder to rotate with the sleeve and thereby facilitate engagement and disengagement of the key with the fasteners. The invention also provides a second rotational detent at the rear end of the key holder and the housing to rotationally immobilize said key holder during run-up of the fastener nuts on the fastener pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Fairchild Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Alan R. Myers
  • Patent number: 5582079
    Abstract: A bolt tightening device having an inner socket and an outer socket arranged coaxially with each other and coupled to a motor by planetary gear mechanisms for tightening a reaction-bearing bolt with a nut thereon by engaging the nut in the outer socket and a tip at one end of the bolt in the inner socket. The inner and outer sockets are coupled respectively to two output shafts of the gear mechanism in the terminal stage which are rotatable in directions opposite to each other. The terminal gear mechanism has an axis displaced from the axes of the other gear mechanisms in parallel thereto, and has two input shafts coupled to two output shafts of the other gear mechanisms by way of first and second idle gears, respectively. This construction reduces the axial thickness of the socket side of the device, rendering the device easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Maeda Metal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shozo Matsumura, Sueharu Yasutomi
  • Patent number: 5553519
    Abstract: An improved fastener installation tool is provided of the type having a fixture pin for seated reception into a mating recess at the shank end of a threaded fastener, while a power-driven socket installs a threaded nut onto the fastener shank. The installation tool includes a spring-loaded clutch assembly for supporting the fixture pin on the tool, wherein the clutch assembly permits fixture pin rotation in response to a torque load exceeding a predetermined limit to prevent fixture pin breakage in the event of a high torque load applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Jack E. Pettit, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5537897
    Abstract: A split socket having movable fitting contacting facets and a drive transfer assembly are disclosed which are particularly well suited for manipulating line fittings. The split socket preferably includes first and second movable dogs pivotably mounted at opposite surfaces of an opening in a rotatable socket. The socket opening is at least as wide as the point-to-point diameter of the fitting to be received thereat. Each of the dogs has a facet configured for engaging and thereby, in conjunction with one another, rotating the fitting when the socket is rotated in a first direction, the dogs being movable by the fitting away from engagement when the socket is rotated in the opposite direction, thus allowing rotation of the socket in the opposite direction while the fitting remains substantially still.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: David Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5490439
    Abstract: A device comprises a housing having a planetary gear reduction mechanism accommodated therein and a handle projecting therefrom, an electric motor or like rotation source attached to the housing for inputting power to the reduction mechanism, an outer socket coupled to an internal gear of the reduction mechanism and engageable with a nut, an inner socket coupled to a planetary gear support frame of the reduction mechanism and engageable with a bolt tip, and a torque detecting control mechanism for detecting a nut tightening force to discontinue supply of power to the rotation source upon the tightening force reaching a predetermined value. A friction ring is provided between the housing and the support frame coupled to the inner socket to effect frictional engagement therebetween. A definite axial tension is available by rotating the outer socket, i.e., the nut, with the inner socket in a fixed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Maeda Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shozo Matsumura, Sueharu Yasutomi
  • Patent number: 5461947
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improvement to an elongated tool holder such as the tool holders used to secure the immobilizing key used in aerospace fasteners to enable easy ejection of keys which is stuck or jammed in the holder. In these tools, a key is received in a receptacle of a tool holder that is slidably received within an outer, rotationally-driven member which distally supports a socket for engagement with the nut of the fastener of an aerospace fastener. The key is used to immobilize the bolt for non-interference fit applications of the fastener. A slot is formed along the shank of the tool holder intersecting the tool receptacle adjacent its interior end to expose the received end of the key and thereby permit insertion of an ejection member or tool to forcefully eject a jammed key from the tool receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald W. Batten
  • Patent number: 5460062
    Abstract: A device for manipulating threaded connectors is disclosed, the device being particularly well suited for manipulating line fittings. The device includes a socket and compact drive assembly which are configured to assure reliable transfer of power to the socket from a driver releasably attachable with the device. The socket has a split side wall with a gap defined thereby which is smaller than the fitting to be manipulated, and has facets at the inner periphery thereof sufficient in number to prevent substantial linear movement of the socket in any direction having at least a component normal to the axis of rotation of the fitting once the fitting is engaged. A fully integrated torque reaction unit, a rotation inhibitor for stabilizing the socket relative to the housing when not under power, and various sockets and attachments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Dynamic Aerospace Tools Company
    Inventor: David Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5438891
    Abstract: There is disclosed a power driven tool for the removal of locking collars of the frangible fasteners used in the aerospace industry. The tool has a drive motor and gear housing with a stationary sleeve which projects from the housing. Within the stationary sleeve are mounted a rotationally driven outer member that distally bears a lead screw and that slidably receives a stationary, telescoping inner member with a spring to bias the inner member into its extended configuration, and a detent to capture the inner member in its contracted, working configuration. A key holder is mounted on the end of the stationary inner member which has a hexagonally broached center bore that receives a key having has an annular groove which receives a detent ball that is secured by a sliding bushing which surrounds the key holder and a spring which biases the bushing into the detent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: VSI Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald W. Batten
  • Patent number: 5354246
    Abstract: A powered hand-held rotary tool adapted for preventing an externally manifested reaction torque upon the hand of an operator consists of a housing, a rotor adapted to be driven for rotation relative to the housing, and a planetary differential mechanism having a sun gear coaxial with and driven from the rotor, planetary gears, and a ring gear. The ring gear is rotatable relative to the housing. A first output gear is coaxial with the sun gear and rotatably driven by the planetary gears. An additional output gearing is rotatably supported from the housing on an axis that is laterally offset from the axis of the rotor, and is drivingly engaged by the ring gear. Rotation of the additional gearing in one direction relative to the housing is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Gene W. Arant
    Inventor: Alexander S. Gotman
  • Patent number: 5238461
    Abstract: A differential rotary driver includes a power input shaft, a differential gear mechanism arranged coaxial to the power input shaft and having two output gears with mutually opposite rotations, and a housing which rotatably supports both input shaft and differential gear mechanism. The housing also has a rigid, crank-shaped lateral extension portion.Within the lateral extension portion of the housing both a central output shaft and a circumferentially concentric output shaft are rotatably supported on an axis which is laterally offset relative to the axis of the input shaft. Driving gears provided on the two output shafts are driven by corresponding output gears of the differential mechanism.When rotary power is applied between the housing and the power input shaft, an operator holding the housing experiences no reaction torque at any stage of the tightening of a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Alexander S. Gotman
  • Patent number: 5161437
    Abstract: A device for tightening up nuts on torque-controlled bolts comprising an inner socket first output gear rotatably disposed within a housing, an outer socket second output gear rotatably disposed coaxially with the first output gear, an inner socket first input gear rotatably disposed on an axis parallel to the axis of the first and second output gears and meshing with the first output gear, and an outer socket second input gear rotatably disposed coaxially with the first input gear and meshing with the second output gear. The first and second output gears respectively have shafts projecting therefrom in the form of concentric circles to provide socket fitting portions at outer ends of the respective shafts. The first and second input gears respectively have shafts projecting therefrom in the form of concentric cir cles to provide coupling portions at outer ends of the respective shafts for connection to output shafts of a power tightening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Maeda Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sueharu Yasutomi, Shozo Matsumura
  • Patent number: 5123308
    Abstract: A compact, torque multiplying apparatus for turning nuts of wheel lugs has an orbiting gear arrangement including an epicycling gear element driven within a housing by a socket wrench. In one case, the housing is held fixed by a tool that mates with adjacent wheel rim contours and output torque is applied to a lug nut by rotation of a second gear element. In another case, the second gear element is held fixed by keying it to the end of the lug, and output torque is transmitted to the nut by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Consulier Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5109735
    Abstract: A power driven torque tool for turning a socket to set a threaded fastener. A socket drive to drive the socket from its side has a passage through which a key passes. The key is held in a key holder which itself is held against rotation by a bias spring that biases the key away from the socket, and by holding the key holder against rotation also holds the key against rotation. The key can quickly be changed by releasing the spring from the key holder, changing the key, and then reattaching the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Hi-Shear Corporation
    Inventor: Dale Hart
  • Patent number: 5044225
    Abstract: A pneumatic nut installation tool has a plunger assembly which advances from a retracted position near the rear of the tool through a nut pickup station to an extended position extending from the front of the tool. A nut shuttle delivers a nut in front of the plunger assembly before it reaches the nut pickup station and retracts away from the nut pickup station before the plunger assembly moves through that station. The nut is picked up on an assembly that includes a split spring ring which engages the bore of the nut. The spring ring is mounted on a fixed member, which also includes a hexagonal key for preventing rotation of a bolt as the nut is threaded onto it. A rotating nut driver moves over the outside of the nut picked up by the pickup assembly for threading the nut onto a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: VSI Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Louw
  • Patent number: 4914987
    Abstract: Tubing sections may be coupled together by employing a removable tool that is worm gear driven. The worm gear turns an inner body of the tool which in turn causes rotation of a rotatable coupling fitting. The utilization of a worm driven tool attached to the outer body eliminates the generation of torque which is highly desirable for a user making repairs or installations in outer space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Mathew J. Isler
  • Patent number: 4879927
    Abstract: The automatic positioning device for screwing and unscrewing a nut (9) on a screwing element (4) formed, for example, by a pin or a threaded rod comprises an externally threaded bush (24) for transferring the nut (9) and an arrangement for the axial centering and angular wedging of the bush (24) relative to the screwing element (4), to generate a continuous helical slope between the external threads (26) of the bush (24) and the threads (8) of the screwing element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventor: Gerard Sevelinge
  • Patent number: 4807498
    Abstract: A blind fastener installation tool as well as a blind fastener and a core bolt for the blind fastener, both being adapted for use with the installation tool. The installation tool has coaxially disposed first and second tool engagement members each engageable at one of their ends, respectively, with a drive stem of a core bolt of the blind fastener, and a bearing surface forming element of the blind fastener, and an axial through passageway through the first tool member for removal of the drive stem from the tool at a location remote from the engagement ends of the tool engagement members. The core bolt has an elongated main body having a head at one end, a taper at the other end, a breakneck therebetween, and an elongated drive configuration extending along the entire portion of the core bolt between the breakneck and the taper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Kleiser, Mahen S. Gala