Device for opening flanged joints

A device for opening a flanged joint of the type wherein one or more flange extensions on one flange part of the joint are bent around into engagement with the other flange part of the joint, said device comprising:

• a first elongated leg member;
• a second elongated leg member;
• a hinge connection between said first and second leg members at a point intermediate the ends thereof, to form a pliers-like connection between said first and second leg members;
• said first leg member including a first generally narrowed end portion adapted to enter behind the bent-around flange extension of the flanged joint and engage the end of the bent-around flange extension;
• said second leg member including a first end portion cooperating with the first end of said first leg member and comprising a generally flat contact surface on its side facing said first end portion of said first leg member, said flat contact surface being adapted to engage and support the outer circumferential surface of the flanged joint;
• means, attached to the second ends of said first and second leg members, for selectively producing relative rotation of said leg members with respect to each other about said hinge connection, said rotation producing means comprising a fluid actuated cylinder including a piston rod, said first leg member including a fork in its second end engaging with said piston rod to produce a hinged connection therebetween, and said second end of said second leg member being rigidly connected to said cylinder;
• and
• a fluid control valve rigidly connected with said second arm member, said control valve having an inlet and an outlet for a working fluid of said cylinder, said cylinder also including an inlet for said working fluid, and a hose connecting said valve outlet with the working fluid inlet of said cylinder, wherein said control valve includes a valve actuating member and wherein said device further comprises a manual lever hingedly attached to the second leg member for selectively actuating said valve actuating member.