US 12,280,418 B2
Fastener installation system with split tool head and actuation base
Tony P. Potts, Warren, MI (US); Brian H. Leigh, Macomb, MI (US); and Kyle R. Lang, Clarkston, MI (US)
Assigned to Gage Bilt, Inc., Clinton Township, MI (US)
Filed by Gage Bilt, Inc., Clinton Township, MI (US)
Filed on Jul. 22, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/779,555.
Application 18/779,555 is a continuation of application No. 16/909,419, filed on Jun. 23, 2020, granted, now 12,042,843, issued on Jul. 23, 2024.
Prior Publication US 2024/0408665 A1, Dec. 12, 2024
Int. Cl. B21J 15/10 (2006.01); B21J 15/22 (2006.01); F16B 19/05 (2006.01)
CPC B21J 15/105 (2013.01) [B21J 15/22 (2013.01); F16B 19/05 (2013.01)] 1 Claim
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for installing fasteners using a hydraulic tool to execute pull and return movements comprising the steps of:
providing a tool head adapted to receive and operate a hydraulic tool through pull and return movements wherein said tool head includes a handle and trigger connected to operate an air valve in the tool head;
providing a power base vessel structurally separate from the tool head and having a pressurized air inlet, a reverse-acting air cylinder and containing a lower air chamber having a piston therein and an upper hydraulic reservoir having a piston therein, the air chamber and hydraulic reservoir pistons being mechanically interconnected such that movements of the air chamber piston pressurize oil in the hydraulic reservoir;
providing a pair of air lines interconnecting the tool head air valve to the reverse-acting air cylinder in the power base vessel; and
providing a closed loop hydraulic circuit including a pair of hydraulic lines interconnecting the hydraulic reservoir to the tool head to cause the tool head to cycle the hydraulic tool in the tool head, when installed, through pull and return movements;
lifting only the tool head into position to install a fastener; and
operating the trigger to direct air to the air chamber to produce movements of the interconnected air chamber piston and hydraulic reservoir piston thereby to operate said hydraulic tool in the tool head, when installed, through said pull and return functions.