HEAVY INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT This invention relates to a multipurpose tool for use in moving heavy industrial equipment.

There are many situations in industry where industrial equipment needs to be moved. The heavy industrial equipment may need to be moved apart, moved together or aligned. For example, in pipelines containing fluid materials and in parts of large machines, joints are often formed by means of abuting annular flanges. The annular flanges are secured together by bolts disposed at locations around the flanges. When an established joint is subsequently required to be opened by separating the flanges, it often happens that a tight seal has been formed which makes separation of the flanges very difficult.

One known method adopted to force sealed flanges apart has been to hammer a wedge between the flanges. The flanges themselves can become damaged by this action and persons conducting the hammering may injure themselves. In addition, sparks are often generated by the hammering which may be dangerous where inflammable materials are present. A tool adapted to force sealed flanges apart without hammering is disclosed in UK patent specification No. 826905. This tool comprises a first arm for locating on one side of a flanged joint, a second arm for locating on the other side of the flanged joint, and a screw threaded drive member

SUBSTITUTESHEET

terminating in a wedge for being forced between the flanges forming the sealed joint. Whilst this tool avoids the disadvantages of hammering, the tool itself has disadvantages in that it can only be used on a single size of sealed joint. In any factory or similar setting, a large number of joints of different sizes are likely to be encountered. These different sizes may relate both to pipe diameter and also to flange thickness. In order to deal with all the different possible sizes of joint, it would be necessary using a tool described in UK patent specification No. 826905 to have a range of differently sized tools and this would clearly be undesirable since the tools are costly to manufacture and also occupy storage space when not in use.

In addition to the above mentioned problems of moving parts of heavy equipment such as flanges of a sealed joint apart, there are often occasions in industry where it is desired to move parts of heavy equipment together or to align them. Thus, for example, there are often situations where it is desired to align the flanged ends of adjacent pipes in order to enable them to be secured together but insufficient space is available to deploy lifting or other equipment to help in the aligning. The pipes are often heavy and difficult to move, which tends to increase the problems of satisfactorily aligning the pipes. There are often other occasions in which one cr more parts of heavy industiral equipment are required tc be moved with a pulling action.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a multipurpose tool which can be used in a first mode to separate parts of heavy industrial equipment and in a manner which obviates or reduces the above mentioned disadvantages, and which can be used in a second mode for aligning or pulling parts of the heavy industrial equipment.

Accordingly, this invention provides a multipurpose tool for use in moving heavy industrial equipment, which tool comprises a strain- aking member, a first pair of connector members which are spaced apart from each other and which extend from the strain- aking member, the second pair of connector members which are spaced apart from each other and which extend from the strain-taking member, and drive means which is movable with respect to the strain-taking member in order to push into or pull away from two parts to be moved relative to each other, and the first pair of connector members being spaced apart from the second pair of connector members such that the two parts to be moved relative to each other are receivable between the first and the second pairs of connector members.

Because the first and the second pairs of connector members are spaced apart from each other, they are able to embrace the two parts to be moved relative to each other and thus the tools can exert a balanced force which helps to

ensure that the tool does not twist and fall off the two parts to be moved during use. The balanced action of the tool is further assisted by the connector members in the first pair of connector members being spaced apart from each other, and the connector members in the second pair of connector members being spaced apart from each other. This enables the connector members to engage or extend over the two parts to be moved relative to each other, so that again τhe tool is able to act in a centralized stable manner. The drive means may push into the two parts in order to split them apart or to align them. The two parts to be split or aligned may be flanged pipes or flanged parts of machinery. Where the drive means acts with a pulling action, this may also be for aligning purposes or for the purpose of moving one or more parts into a desired position with respect to another part.

The multipurpose tool of the present invention may be especially useful in confined spaces where a stablized central force is required to be applied to parts to be moved. The tool will usually be one in which connector members of the first pair of connector members are spaced from each ether in a first direction, in which the connector members cf the second pair of connector members are spaced from each other in the first direction, and in which the first pair of

connector members is spaced apart from the second pair of connector members in a second direction which is at right angles to the first direction.

The tool may be one in which the connector members in the first pair of connector members are bars, and in which the connector members in the second pair of connector members are bars. All of the bars may terminate in apertured ends for receiving bolts for bolting the bars to the parts to be moved relative to one another. Where the connector members are bars, then the tool may be one in which the bars in the first pair of bars are separated by a first distance adjuster for adjusting the distance between the bars, and in which the bars in the second pair of bars are separated by a second distance adjuster for adjusting the distance between the bars. The first and the second distance adjusters are preferably screw threaded distance adjusters. Other types of distance adjusters may however be employed.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the tool is one in which the connector members in the first pair of connector members are chains or cables, and in which the connector members in the second pair of connector members are chains or cables.

Where the connector members are chains or cables, then

the tool may be one in which one chain or cable of the first pair of connector members is joined to one chain or cable cf the second pair of connector members, and in which the other chain or cable of the first pair of connector members is joined to the other chain or cable of the second pair of connector members. With such an arrangement, only two chains or cables need be employed which can be looped around the two parts to be moved relative to each other _¬ where the connector members are chains or cables, then the tool may include a first screw threaded stablizer member and a first connector for connecting to one of the two parts to be moved relative to each other, and the tool may also include a second screw threaded stabilizer member and a second connector for connecting to the other of the two parts to be moved relative to each other.

In another embodiment of the invention, where the connector members are chains or cables, then the chains or cables may connect to a second strain-taking member having a second screw threaded member. If desired, three or more of the strain-taking members and screw threaded members may be employed.

Where the connector members are chains, the chains may be of interlocked rings or of interlocking segments as used on bicycles. The use of chains or cables may be preferable to bars in situations where flexible connector members are required. If desired, the connector members may be a mixture of bars and chains. Where a bar is employed, this may be made as a loop to fit around the heavy industrial equipment, for example a large pipe.

Preferably, the drive means is a screw threaded member. Preferably, the tool is one in which the screw threaded member passes through a plain hole in the strain-taking member, and in which movement of the screw threaded member t and fro through the strain-taking member is effected by screwing at least one nut along the strain-taking member. Pressure is transferred through the plain hole as the nut is turned. With a plain hole which is sufficiently larger than the drive means, the drive means can extend through the plai hole at an angle, which may be advantageous in some situations, for example when the apparatus of the invention is to be used with a mobile crane. The nut can have flat or other sides and can thus be any rotatable member.

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If only one nut is employed, then the nut will be located on the screw threaded member on the side of the strain- taking member adjacent the two parts to be moved relative to each other if the screw threaded member is to push into the two parts. The nut will be located on the screw threaded member on the side of the strain-taking member remote from the two parts to be moved relative to each other if the screw threaded member is to pull away from the two parts. If desired, two nuts may be employed, one on either side of the strain-taking member. In this case, only one nut will be used for each direction of movement, with the other nut being slackened off and moved out of the way.

The drive means may terminate in a splitting wedge. In such a case, the drive means will usually be employed for moving the two parts away from each other, for example as in the case of splitting flanged joints.

The drive means may alternatively terminate in an aligning plate. In this case, the drive means will usually be employed for aligning parts. Still further, the drive means may terminate in an eye or hook. In this case, the drive means will usually be employed with a pulling action.

If the tool is such that two or more strain-taking members and associated screw threaded members are present, then the drive means may have the same or different ends so that they may all have splitting wedges, all aligning plates, all eyes or hooks, or a mixture.

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The strain-taking member will usually be a plate member. The strain-taking member may however be another type of member if desired.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a first tool;

Figure 2 is a side view showing the tool of Figure 1 in action; Figure 3 shows a second tool;

Figure 4 shows a third tool.

Figure 5 shows alternative connector member constructions;

Figure 6 shows alternative screw threaded member constructions; and Figures 7 and 8 are perspective and plan views respectively of part of an alternative strain-taking member.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a tool 2 for use in moving heavy industrial equipment in the form of a pair of pipes 4, 6. The tool 2 comprises a strain- taking member 8, a first pair of connector members in the form of arms 10, 12, a second pair of connector members in the form of arms 14, 16 and a screw threaded member 18.

The screw threaded member 18 is movable to and fro through the strain-taking member 8 in order to push into or pull away from two parts in the form of the two pipes 4, 6

v;hich are to be moved relative to each other.

Ihe first pair of arms 10, 12 are spaced apart from the second pair of arms 14, 16 such that the pipes 4, 6 are receivable between the first and the second pairs of arms "0, 12: 14, 16 as shown in Figure 2.

As can be seen from Figure 1, the arms10, 12 are spaced apart from each other in a first direction which is a vertical direction. The arms 14, 16 are similarly spaced apart from each other in the first and vertical direction.

^' 0 The two pairs of arms 10, 12: 14, 16 are spaced apart from each other in a second direction which is at right angles to the first direction and which is a horizontal direction as viewed in Figure 1.

The arms 10, 12: 14, 16 are in the form of flat bars which are provided with apertured ends 20 having apertures 22. The apertures 22 are for receiving a bolt 24 as shown in Figure 2 so that the arms 10, 12 (and also 14, 16) can be secured to flanges 26, 28 of the pipes 4, 6 respectively. The bolt 24 is held in position by a nut 30. As will thus be appreciated from Figures 1 and 2, the arms 10, 12 will be around one side of the pipes 4, 6 and the arms 14, 16 will be around the other side of the pipes 4, 6. Also, in each pair cf arms 10, 12: 14, 16 the arms 10, 14 will be on top cf the flanges 26, 28 whilst the arms 12, 16 will be under¬ neath the flanges 26, 28. Thus the tool 2 will be centrally and stably positioned with respect to the pipes

-, β and in particular with respect to a joint 32 formed between the flanges 26, 28.

In order to accommodate for different sizes of joint 32, the arms 10, 12: 14, 16 diverge from the strain-taking

5 member 8. Also, the arms 10, 12: 14, 16 are each provided with screw threaded ends 34. hese screw threaded ends 34 can be moved to and from through the strain-taking member 8 by means of nuts 36. Thus the operative length of the arms 10, ¹ .2: 14, 16 can be varied as desired to accommodate different

"0 sizes of joints 32 and/or thicknesses of flanges 26,28. In case the tool 2 should be required to operate on flanges 26, 28 of different thicknesses, the tool 2 is such that the arms 10, 12 are separated by a first distance adjuster 38. The first distance adjuster 38 is able to

^5 adjust the distance between the arms 10, 12 so that they fit closely over the flanges 26, 28. Similarly, the arms 14, 16 are separated by a second distance adjuster 40 for adjusting the distance between the arms 14, 16. The first and second distance adjusters 38, 40 are screw threaded distance

20 adjusters which have nuts 42 at either end. The nuts 42 are preferably welded in position to the arms 10, 12: 14, 16. Nuts 3 are employed to stop the upper arms 10, 14 sliding down the first and second distance adjustors 38, 40.

The screw threaded member 18 terminates in a splitting

2 wedge 44. The splitting wedge 44 is held in a holder 46 which is connected to the screw threaded shank Dart 48 cf

the screw threaded member ^* < B . The screw threaded member "3 passes through a plain hole in the strain- aking member 5. Movement of the screw threaded member 18 towards the oint 32 is effected by the clockwise rotation of a nut 50 which bears against the strain-taking member 8 as shown,, Move¬ ment cf the screw threaded member 18 away from the joint 32 is effected by rotating a nut 52 which bears against the ppcsite side of the strain-taking member 8 as can be seen from Figure 2. Before the nut 50 or 52 is tightened, the screw threaded member can easily and quickly be pushed through the plain hole in the strain-taking member 8 in order tc get a simple and quick coarse adjustment.

If the flanges 26, 28 and therefore the joint 32 should be smaller than shown in Figure 2, then the ends 34 of the arms 10, 12: 14, 16 can be located in apertures 54 in order to bring the arms 10, 12: 14, 16 closer together.

Referring now to Figure 3, similar parts as in Figures and 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In Figure 3, the arms 10, 12: 14, 16 have been replaced by chains. Furthermore, the chains 10, 14 are connected together as one chain, and the chains 12, 16 are connected together as one chain. The chains 10, 12: 14, 16 still receive the pipes 4, 6 and act on either side of the pipes -, 5 above and below the flanges 2β, 28 in the same manner £.3 the arms 10, 12: 14, 16 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

In Figure 3, the splitting wedge 44 has been replaced cy an abutment plate 56. The abutment plate 6 enables a

pushing action to be effected using the tool 2 shown in Figure 3 and this can be useful for aligning the pipes 4, 6 so that holes 58 in the flanges 26, 28 can be aligned for the purpose of receiving bolts 24 (see Figure 2). In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the tool includes a first screw threaded stabilizer member 60 and a first connector in the form of a cable 62 for connecting to the pipe 4. The tool 2 also includes a second screw threaded stabilizer member 64 having a second connector in the form of a cable, which is not shown but which is like the cable 62 and which connects to the pipe 6. The two stabilizer members 60, 64 pass through holes in an auxiliary strain-taking member 66 as shown. The stabilizer members 60, 64 can be adjusted in length with respect to the auxiliary strain- taking member 66 by appropriate rotation of nuts 68, only one of which is shown.

In Figure 3, i ^" the length of the chains 10, 12: 14, 1 requires to be adjusted, then more or less chain links can be connected to connector pieces 70. Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a third embodiment of the invention in which the pipes <-., 6 are essentially acted upon by two of the tools 2. Similar parts as in previous drawings have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and ease of understanding.

In Figure •£-, the tool 2 on the left of the pipes 4, 6 exerts an aligning effect, whilst the tool 2 on the right cf the pipes 4, 6 gives a joint splitting effect.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, instead of using a splitting wedge 44 or an abutment plate 56, an eye cr a hook could be employed if the screw threaded member 18 is to be moved away from the joint 32 in order to exert a pulling action. A pulling action may be required, for example, in cases where the splitting wedge 44 may have got stuck between the joint 32 or in cases where it is desired to exert a pulling action for alignment or other purposes. The connector members may be the illustrated bars or chains or they may be wire ropes, rods or other members. Other means to those illustrated may be employed for varying the length of the connector members.

The strain-taking member 8 is illustrated as a flat plate but strain-taking members of different shapes and sizes may be employed. Thus, for example, the strain-taking member 8 is only preferably rectangular in shape. The strain- taking member 8 is preferably formed in a strong material having a high resistance to bending, for example a high

tensile steel. The splitting wedge 44 may be a single, split or dual wedge as may be desired.

Although the screw threaded member 18 has been shown as extending freely through a plain hole in the strain-taking member 8, the hole in the strain-taking member 8 could be a screw threaded hole if desired in which case the screw threaded member 18 could operate by being screwed through the strain-taking member 8. In such a case, the splitting wedge 44, the abutment plate 56 or other means employed at the joint end of the screw threaded member 18 would not rotate with the shank part 48 of the screw threaded member 18.

If desired, the tools 2 may employ drive means other than the screw threaded member 18. Thus, for example, the drive means may be a hydraulic drive means, a pneumatic drive means, or an arrangement of levers.

The use of the wedge holder 46 is preferred because it enables the splitting wedge 44 to be replaced if it should become damaged. However, if desired, the splitting wedge 44 may be connected directly to the shank part 48 of the screw threaded member 18 if desired. The splitting wedge 44 need not only act on the joint 32 and it may also act on the bolts 24 or the nuts 30 if they should become stuck in the holes 58 in the flanges 26, 28.

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Preferring new to Figure 5, there are shown alternative constructions for the first pair of connector members 10, ^" 2. Althougr. only the first pair of connector members 10, 12 is shown in Figure 5, it is to be understood that the second pair cf connector members 14, 16 can be similarly constructed.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the first pair of connector members comprise a first bar 72 which is provided with apertures 74 in one end portion 76. The end portions 76 can be inserted through complementary shaped apertures in the strain-taking member 8. Each bar 72 can then be locked in position by a pin 78 inserted through an appropriate one of the apertures 74.

The first bar 72 can be joined to a second bar 80 or to a third bar 82. The second bar 80 terminates in a hook portion 84, whilst the third bar 82 terminates in an aperture 22.

The first bar 72 is provided with a forked end 86 which is provided with apertures 88.The forked end 88 of each first bar 72 can receive an end portion 90 of the second bar 80 or the third bar 82, depending upon which of the second cr the third bars it is desired to use. The end portion 90 is provided with an aperture 92. The end portion 90 is retained in the forked end 86 by a pin 94 which passes

through the apertures 88, 92.

The pins 78, 9^ are provided with apertures 96 for receiving a lynch pin (not shown) or similar member for ensuring that the pins 94 do not inadvertently come out of their apertures.

Figure 5 also shows that the second bar 80 or the third bar 52 may be replaced by a chain 98 or a rope 100.

Figure 6 shows a screw threaded member 18 which is provided with a formation 102. The formation 102 may be a brass nut or other type of formation. The formation 102 can be hit if the screw threaded member 18 needs to be hammered.

Figure 6 also shows how the screw threaded member 18 is provided with a forked end 104 which is provided with apertures 106 for receiving a pin 108. The pin 108 is used to locate different ends for the screw threaded member 18 such as the illustrated wedge 110, or the hook 112 or the alignment plate 114. It will be seen that the wedge 110, the hook 112 and the alignment plate 114 all have apertures 116 for receiving the pin 108 when the apertures 106, 116 are in line. The pin 108 is provided with an aperture 118 for receiving a lynch pin or similar locking device for ensuring that the pin 108 does not inadvertently come out of the apertures 106, 116.

In some situations where heavy industrial equipment needs

to be moved or repositionec, the tool of the present invention may be fitted cr welded permanently in a desired position. For example, mobile cranes have an extension jib located for travelling alongside a main jib. This extension jib is a swing-around extension and it may be difficult to pull it off its location and reposition it. The tool of the present invention may be employed to pull off and reposition the extension jib as and when required by screwing a nut by a ratchet or by turning in the manner of a wheel. The screw threaded member 18 shown in Figures 7 and 8 may be used for this purpose. The screw threaded member 18 is provided with a screw threaded shank 120 and an end portion 122 having an aperture 124. The screw threaded shank 120 passes through a strain-taking member 8 which is of the shape shown in Figures 7 and 8. The strain- taking member 8 has first and second sections 126, 12S. A rotatable member 13-0 is positioned on the shank 12C between the first and the second sections 126, 128 as shown. If desired, the shank 120 can pass through bearings or washers such for example as brass washers. Effectively the rotatable member 130 is rotated inside the strain-taking member B. Rotation can be effected in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise manner as may be suitable and appropriate. The shank 20 travels freely through plain holes 132, 3 in

the first and second sections 126, 125. The rotatable member 130 can thus abut against the first section 126 cr the section 128 for pulling or pushing purposes, depending upon which way the rotatable member 130 is rotated.

The apertured ends 20 shown in Figure 1 may be replaced by hooks for locating around pipes or other items of heavy industrial equipment, or for hooking to bolts, or for hooking in holes, for example bolt holes. The second bar 30, the third bar 32, or the rope 100 can be connected to either side of the strain-taking member 8 shown in Figure 3 to replace half of the illustrated chains. A similar arrangement can be employed for both of the strain-taking members 8 shown in Figure 4.

The bars 10, 12: 14, 16 are easy to locate in position on studs or nuts. The bars 10, 12: 14, 16 also tend to remain in position during use of the tool of the invention.

The tool of the invention may use a thrust bearing to build up pressure. The thrust bearing may be formed as part of a drive nut, or it may be positioned between a drive nut and the strain-taking member. The thrust bearing may help the nut to turn. For example, in Figure 3, a thrust bearing (not shown) may be employed between the nut 50 and the strain- taking member 5. The thrust bearing may be one which is separate cr it may be one which is connected to the nut 50.

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A washer may also be used at this location so that the nut 50 does not scrape en the strain-taking member 6 as the nut 50 is rotated.

In situations where inflammable gases or liquids could be ignited, the tool of the invention may include as many parts as possible which are made of materials that do not generate sparks when they are hit. One example of such materials is brass.

The use of an auxiliary strain-taking member, for example the auxiliary strain-taking member 66, may be especially advantageous where considerable pressures have to be applied by the tool, for example using hydraulic equipment. The auxiliary strain-taking member may help to spread the load over the tool. The strain-taking member 8 shown in Figure 1 may be provided with an auxiliary strain-taking member, for example like the auxiliary strain-taking member 66 shown in Figure 3.

The tool 2 shown in Figure 1 can be produced as a light weight tool. If desired, this tool may be modified by providing what is shown on the right side of the strain- taking member in Figure 1 also on the left side of the strain- taking member. With such a doubled tool, the tool may give three different types of pulling and pushing action. This can be useful if a pulling action is required to withdraw

the splitting wedge 44. Also, with a doubled tool, that is cne with first and second pairs of connector members extending on both side of a strain-taking member, the tool can extend from both sides of a piece of heavy industrial equipment such as the pipes 4, 6 shown in Figure 2 and it may not be necessary to connect the tool to bolts such as the bolts 24 shown in Figure 2.

The tool of the present invention can be used for lifting, pulling, pushing, aligning or splitting. The tool can be built to operate at any required strength. If the tool is a doubled type of tool which extends from both side of a piece of heavy industrial equipment, then the tool may generally be built to one half of the strength that would be required if the tool were a single type of tool which only extended from one side of the piece of heavy industrial equipment, for example the pipes , 6.

Generally, it will be appreciated that the tool of the present invention is a multi-purpose tool which can simply and stably be used, and which is of a relatively inexpensive construction. The tool is such that it can be dismantled or assembled on site and this may be advantageous in enabling the tool to be used in locations where access is restricted.