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US 10,054,139 B2Granted
Hydraulic tools with rapid advance
AssigneeRidge Tool Company
InventorsIonut Toparcean, Sorin Dan Mascas, Cosmin Valeriu Popa, Stefan Ionut Craciun
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Hydraulic tools having extendable rams for performing various functions such as crimping are described. The tools include a hydraulic system that enables the ram to be rapidly advanced. Methods using the hydraulic systems and tools are also described.
Claims22
A hydraulic system comprising:
- a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid;
- a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension;
- a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram;
- wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension,
- wherein the provisions include the pushrod defining a circumferential outer surface generally extending between the first end and the second end of the pushrod and a flat surface region extending along a length portion of the pushrod from the first end of the pushrod.
2 more elements
A hydraulic system comprising:
- a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid;
- a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension;
- a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram;
- wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension,
- wherein the pushrod assembly is free of seals disposed between the pushrod and the interior of the housing.
2 more elements
A hydraulic system comprising:
- a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid;
- a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension;
- a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram;
- wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension,
- wherein the provisions direct fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber based upon a position of the pushrod,
- a hydraulic fluid pump;
- at least one fluid flow line extending between the reservoir and the primary chamber;
- at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber,
- wherein the at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber includes:
- a first fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the primary chamber;
- and
- a second fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the secondary chamber.
9 more elements
A hydraulic system comprising:
- a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid;
- a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension;
- a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram;
- wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension, a hydraulic fluid pump;
- at least one fluid flow line extending between the reservoir and the primary chamber;
- at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber,
- wherein the at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber includes:
- a first fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the primary chamber;
- and
- a second fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the secondary chamber,
- wherein the first fluid flow line includes a one way valve permitting fluid flow from the pump to the primary chamber at fluid pressures greater than a first pressure and precluding fluid flow from the primary chamber to the pump,
- wherein the second fluid flow line includes a one way valve permitting fluid flow from the pump to the secondary chamber at fluid pressures greater than a second pressure and precluding fluid flow from the secondary chamber to the pump,
- wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.
10 more elements
A hydraulic tool comprising:
- a tool body;
- a tool head secured to the tool body, the tool head including a positionable work member for performing at least one operation on a workpiece;
- a hydraulic system generally disposed within the tool body, the hydraulic system including (i) a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension, and (iii) a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram, wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension;
- wherein the ram is engaged with the work member of the tool head,
- wherein the provisions include the pushrod defining a circumferential outer surface generally extending between the first end and the second end of the pushrod and a flat surface region extending along a length portion of the pushrod from the first end of the pushrod.
2 more elements
A hydraulic tool comprising:
- a tool body;
- a tool head secured to the tool body, the tool head including a positionable work member for performing at least one operation on a workpiece;
- a hydraulic system generally disposed within the tool body, the hydraulic system including (i) a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension, and (iii) a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram, wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension;
- wherein the ram is engaged with the work member of the tool head,
- wherein the pushrod assembly is free of seals disposed between the pushrod and the interior of the housing.
2 more elements
A hydraulic tool comprising:
- a tool body;
- a tool head secured to the tool body, the tool head including a positionable work member for performing at least one operation on a workpiece;
- a hydraulic system generally disposed within the tool body, the hydraulic system including (i) a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension, and (iii) a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram,
- wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension;
- wherein the ram is engaged with the work member of the tool head,
- wherein the provisions direct fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber based upon a position of the pushrod,
- wherein the hydraulic system further includes (iv) a hydraulic fluid pump, (v) at least one fluid flow line extending between the reservoir and the primary chamber, and (vi) at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber,
- wherein the at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber includes:
- a first fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the primary chamber;
- and
- a second fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the secondary chamber.
8 more elements
A hydraulic tool comprising:
- a tool body;
- a tool head secured to the tool body, the tool head including a positionable work member for performing at least one operation on a workpiece;
- a hydraulic system generally disposed within the tool body, the hydraulic system including (i) a reservoir adapted to contain hydraulic fluid, (ii) a hydraulic cylinder defining a hollow interior and including a ram disposed therein, the ram defining a first face and an oppositely directed second working face, the interior of the cylinder and the first face of the ram defining a primary chamber, the ram positionable through a first phase of ram extension and a second phase of ram extension, and (iii) a pushrod assembly including a housing defining a hollow interior and a pushrod positionably disposed therein, the pushrod defining a first end and an oppositely directed second end, the interior of the housing and the first end of the pushrod defining a secondary chamber, the pushrod and the ram being in at least periodic operable engagement such that extension of the pushrod causes extension of the ram, wherein the pushrod and housing include provisions to preclude fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the first phase of ram extension, and permit fluid flow between the primary chamber and the secondary chamber when the pushrod is within a range of positions corresponding to the second phase of ram extension;
- wherein the ram is engaged with the work member of the tool head,
- wherein the hydraulic system further includes (iv) a hydraulic fluid pump, (v) at least one fluid flow line extending between the reservoir and the primary chamber, and (vi) at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber,
- wherein the at least one fluid flow line extending between the pump and at least one of the primary chamber and the secondary chamber includes:
- a first fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the primary chamber;
- and
- a second fluid flow line providing fluid communication from the pump to the secondary chamber,
- wherein the first fluid flow line includes a one way valve permitting fluid flow from the pump to the primary chamber at fluid pressures greater than a first pressure and precluding fluid flow from the primary chamber to the pump,
- wherein the second fluid flow line includes a one way valve permitting fluid flow from the pump to the secondary chamber at fluid pressures greater than a second pressure and precluding fluid flow from the secondary chamber to the pump,
- wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.