US2069882A - Multiple power wrench - Google Patents

Description

ten. 9, 1937. w. HALL MULTIPLE POWER WRENCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 26 y w g H ZWJW- J, M fl r2 0 /M5 @m v 2 Feb. 9, 1937. w. HALL MULTIPLE POWER WRENCH Filed June 26, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 9, 1937 PATENT OFFICE MULTIPLE POWER WRENCH Walter Hall, Los Angeles, Calif 'assignor of onehalfto Calif.

J. Michael O'Meara, Los Angeles,

Application June 26, 1935, Serial No. 28,529

18 Claims.

This invention relates to a power tool and relates more particularly to a multiple power wrench for turning or tightening securing members such as nuts, bolts, studs, screws, etc. A generalobject of the present invention is to provide a simple practical-power wrench that is operable to simultaneously and properly tighten a plurall ity of securing members such as nuts, bolts,studs, screws and the like, to connect machine parts,

etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrench that is operable to turn a plurality of nuts, bolts or like securing members until they are hand tight or tighter and then automatically turn the securing members to a desired or selected final degree of tightness. The tool of the present invention in simultaneously turning down the securing members to hand tightness or tighter, to take the slack out of the 20 parts before turning the members to their final tightor set positions, prevents tilting, straining, distorting and binding of the machine parts being connected and assures the proper connecting ofthe parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a-multiple power wrench that is operable to turn down or tighten a plurality of nuts, bolts, studs or other securing members to a uniform selected or..predetermined degree of tightness and no tighter,so that there is no danger of stripping the threads or straining or distorting'the connected parts or causing uneven or improper connecting of the parts. l I l ,Another object of this inventionis to provide a multiple power wrench of the character mentioned that may embody a sufficient number of chucks or sockets for engaging of the nuts, studs, bolts, or the like, in a series of such securing members for connecting machine parts or the like, so that it isoperable to rapidly and finally connect the machine parts orassembly in one simple operation. a

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrench of the character men- 45 multaneouslytum the nuts, bolts, studs or other securing members to hand tightness or slightly tighter to take up the slack and then successively partially turn the diametrically opposite securing members of the series until all of the several securing members are tightened to a desired degree thus assuring the equal or uniform tightening of the securing members and preventing tilting and distorting of the parts being connected.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrench of the character mentioned that embodies a novel 'andparticularly effective transmission or drive for simultaneously rotating the socket carrying spindles to turn the securing members to hand tightness or tighter that is automatically responsive to the resistance 5 offered by the separate or individual securing members to selectively cease rotating the spindles as the securing members are turned down to hand tightness or tighter.

Another object 01' the invention is a multiple power wrench of thecharactermentioned that embodies a novel and particularly-eta fective clutched drive or transmission for successively turning spaced or diametrically opposite socket carrying spindles untilthe nuts, bolts or securing members eng ed by the sockets have been tightened'to the desired degree of tightness," which drive ortransmis'sion is're'sponsive to the, resistance offered to turning by the individual or separate securing members to' selectively cease the turning of the spindles as the securing members are tightened to the desired final degree of tightness. v

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrench of the character mentioned in which the drive or transmissionfor turning the spindles to turn down the securing members to their final degreeof tightness includes a novel clutch that is adjustable to provide for the final tightening of the securing members to any selected or desired degree of-tightness; Another object of this invention isto provide a multiple power wrench that includes means for automatically locating or centering the wrench when it is brought'against the work or-parts be- 5 ing connected whereby the chucks or sockets may be quickly and properly engaged with the nuts, bolts or other securing members on the parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power tool of the character mentioned in which 40 the spindles are simultaneously adjustable by a simple adjusting means to engage their chucks or sockets with securing members having diflerent relative spacings and with members-that are diilicultv of engagement or access.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power wrench of the character mentioned in which the clutches automatically-release when the securing members have been set up or turned down to the desired degree'of tightness and upon releasing give audibleindications to the operator; so that he may cut ed the power and remove the [wrench from the work for further use.

An'otherobject of this invention-is to provide a multiple power wrench of the charactermento provide 10 I sell-contained portable unit.

trated in'thedrawinds the suspension means ina nect the plate}. to the shell. Nuts a may be The body I. houses the ransmission or that is easy and convenient-to operate and whose use and operation do not require the enercise of great care or skill.

A further object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrench oi thecharacter mentioned that is in the form oi a small The various obiectsand features 01 my invention will be fully understood from the iollowinl' detailed description of typical forms and applications of my invention throushout which dereterence is made to the 4-4 on Fig.2.? rm. 5 is a central longitudinal;- detailed sectional view of another'embodiment' of theinvention." Fig. 6 is a transverse detailed sectional-view taken substantially as indicated by line H on Fig.5. Fig. '7 is a ifragmentary transv verse detailedjsectional view taken as indicated by line 1-1 on Pic. 5 "andl ig. ,iijis enlarsed transverse detailed sectional view as indicated by line Hon-Pia. '5.

The form or embodiment 'i the present inven tionfillustratedin Figs. .1 to 4; inclusive, of the,

drawiiiss. includes generally a II a plurality of rotatable socket carrying spindles II project-- in: from the body ll. 'means i2 ior centerlns or locating the tool onthe work or parts beingcon nected, and an automatically clutched compound drive ll forrotatin: the spindles ll. 1'

I) and forms a carrier for thespindlesfli. The body is may comprise two plates,"aniinner plate It and an. outer plate". A ring or shell ll is arranged between the outer or portionsoi theplates I4 and yll to the plates andform theouter walloi the'body. Bolts ll pass through openinss in the spaced end plates ll and II and nuts are threaded on the bolts to maintain theplates and thelshell I I, in the assembled relationship. The body constructed as just described has a cylindrical interior. or openll. Means may beprovided {or suspending the body II and associated parts iroin an over head support. Inthe particularjstructure 'illu'scludes'a hanger .platejl bowedor curved'to con- .iormto theupper' oi thebody shell ll. Screws 2| extend through slots' fl'in theplate II and in theshell "to adjustably con-' threaded on the screwsiL- -A central'peri'orated lug or eye 24 projects 'i-rom the plate 2| to receive the end part or an extensible sprinz a by a oableor line 21. The'lin'el'l maybe connected to a counter-balance or other meansnot shown. 7 sothatthewrenchmaybeswungorshirtedabout Suitable curved handles 2. pr ect from the oppositesideportions oi the body; shell I! to iacilitate th'e manipulation oi the wrench.

"The spindles II are providedtocarrychucks or sockets ll iol-engaging the nuts, bolts, screws or other securing partsto be tightened or turned down by the wrench. The spindles H extend compact drive I or positioning mam-ism axle throush openings Ilin'the innerbody plate'll and project axially or lonsitudinally from the; a

plate relative to the central lonsitudinal axis of the body I... The spindles ll extend throush the body cavity or-openilis II and their end portions are rotatably carriedin openinss 8! in the outer plate ll."'The-plates and "are preferably thickened or provided-withbossesattheiropem.

inss; 8i and-II so that tho-spindles ll haveex tensivebearins on the H are. preferably; spaced Idistanoeinwardly i'romthcperipheryoithebody ll asillustratedin l'isal and! 0! the draw.

The invention contemplates-the oi one or'inorespindles as may be i'equirediorthe particular purpose ior whichthewrenchisin-r I inner plate ll of body. it thattheremaybeiewerormore II II required. The spindles il may b mused-mun universaljoints U intermediateitheir endsto iacilitate the more ready-mlsm tofthe' II with the mentors or Joints U fso'that the outer on the, spindles-do not tended. In thejtoolillustrated in 1 thereIsre-sik spindleslix-projectinstrom spindles Ii as equally a o! the wrenchso-lthat' their se m engage a'n'annular nuts or- 30 Q the like," beins apparent-mtmespscinecitne spindles I I may be varied to suit com: tions of operation; "lhe'le'nsth oi thespindlnll or'the exte'nto! theproieotionot tbespindlesfll from the body plate thepai'ticular use or application of the In ".1 0!

the drawings the wrenohisishownin position to tighten down thenuts-itoi the hub-boit'sor' drum bolts II o! awheelW thes'pindiesil are suillciently lonsgto properly their sockets ,ilwiththenutsI-Otwhen' the locatins.

Has willbe hereinafter I I The chucks or sockets "are outer ends of the spindles VII in "concentric or axialrelation In m nimise i min m.

invention the chucks orsochet's. sfareshiitable axially on the that may individually coniorm to orproperly some with nuts} which ina'ybefdiilerent work which m be a dnun: 'orwheehw the wrench is tudinal openins's 8| in the chucks or It or other such means ion the socketsoperate in grooves)" in thespindiestllw to connect sockets with the =ior rotation therewith. The screws 80 may Jl: to. limit thelonl'itudinai movement ofi the sockets. on the spindles. "-ipfihss'll are provided in the openings". and under-compression theends spindies il l and Y the bottoms oi theopeninss tc-yieidinslr am the sockets). outwardlyon the spindles. some onal openings or sockets vll are "provided in the outer ends or the vchucks or sockets]! to receive the nuts. The socketsll mayjhave sllarge number or flat faces of: "wallsfto have non rotatable encasement with the nuts 88 withiaminimumot manipulati m or between-the sockets ill and the nuts is to that when the tool .is tdbeeinD Y d-tO flshten screws the spindles ii are provided with screw driver bits.

The means II for or locatinc 'the I II I a; Y a smitabiy iv W m ts power wrench is such that the wrench may be brought against the work or parts to be. connected and quickly positioned where the sockets- 35 of the'several spindles ll properly receiveor engage with the nuts 55. The centering or locating means I2 includes an axial or concentric tube 4| at the inner side of the ,body l5. 1 In the simple form of the invention shown in the drawings the tube 4i isattached directly to the plate l4 as by the inventionshown in the drawings the cup 42 is adapted to receive a hub capor hub part 45 which is concentric with respect to the circular or annular series of nuts 55. A spring 44 is arranged in the tube 4| between the closed inner end of the cup 42 and the body plate l4. The spring 44' is a spiralled orhelical spring and its inner convolution has ah end wrapped about or otherwisesecured to a bolt or rivet 45 on the body plate l4. The end part of. the outer convolution of the spring 44 is secured to the cup 42 by a screw 45. The spring 44 is'adapted to yield to permit limited movement between the wrench and the work or machine assembly being worked upon when the wrench is applied to the assembly and during operation oi the wrench. It is believed that it will be apparent how the wrench may bemoved to a position where the cup 42 is passed over the hub 'part 45 to position the wrench where it is concentric with the seriesof nuts 55 and thus greatly facilitate the proper engagement of the chucks'or sockets '55 with the nuts 55. The sockets 55 on two diametrically opposite spindles Il may project ahead of the other sockets 55 so that one or both of these leading sockets may be first engaged with the nuts 55 and thus align the other sockets with the other nuts and greatly facilitate the engagement of the several sockets 35' with the nuts.

The drive i5 is housed in the body l5and forms a clutched transmission between a suitable power drive D and the several'spindles H. The prime mover or power means may be directlyponnected with the wrench in which case it' may directly drive or operate the drive l5. In thevparticuiar form of the invention being described the power drive D which enters the outer side of the body at its center may be considered as extending from a power means at a suitable remote point.

A 'shaft 41 is rotatable in central or axial open-' ings 45 in the body end plates l4 and I5. The plates I4 and I5 are preferably. enlargedat the openings .45 to provide ample support or bearing for the shaft 41-. The'particular drive D fllustrated comprises a flexible shaft or flexible drive which may be rotated by any suitable power means and which is connected with the central shaft 41 of the wrench.

The compound clutched transmission or drive l3 '0! the present invention includes gears or pinions 55 on the spindles ii and a driving element E for turning the pinions 55. A pinion- 55 is provided on each spindle H in the body opening i5. Feathers or keys 5i connect the pinions 55 and the spindles ii against relative rotation.

The several pinions 55 are preferably of' equal effective diameter. The driving element E is provided on the central shaft 41 and rotates with the shaft in the body opening l5. The element E includes a plate or block 52 connected to the shaft to turntherewith. In the simple form of the invention disclosed the block 52 is flxed to the shaft 41 by a pin 55. The block 52 projects radially from the shaft 41 and has two stubshafts or trunnions 54. The trunnions 54 are equally spaced from the shaft 41 and their axes are parallel with the axis of the, shaft. Theelement E includes pinions or gears 55 rotatably' supported ,on the trunnions 54. The gears 55 areof equal diameter 'andtheir teeth are adapted to mesh with the teeth of the pinions 55 as the element rotates. The teeth of the gears 55 may be sharp, asillustrated, or the teeth of the pin-' ions 55 may be sharp to insure the proper engagement of the teeth of the gears and pinions.

It will be seen that during rotation of the'ele-' ment E the gears 55 successively come into meshing cooperation with diametrically opposite pinions 55. The gears 55 are preferably removable so that one of the gears may be removed and the number of spindles ii reduced, say'to one ortwo spindles, adapting the wrench to be operated or driven by a small motor. I

The drive I! includes an adjustable automatic clutch means normally preventing rotation of the gears 55 about theirindividualaxes so that engagement of their teeth with the teeth of the pinions 55 causes sucessive advancement or partial rotation of the pinions 55 which clutch means is yieldable or releasable to permit independenti'otation of the gears 55 when the resistance to turning of a pinion 55 offered by a tightened down nut 53 exceeds a deflnite' limit. The automatic adjustable clutch means includes two leaf springs or flexible members 55 carried by the driving element E. These members 55 may each comprise one or more laminae or spring sections. Studs 51 project from opposite sides of the block 52 and extend through openings in the flexible members 55 to support the members on the block. Nuts 58 are threaded on the studs 51 and engage the flexible members 55to hold the members in their operative positions and to regulate the action of the members as will be hereinafter described.

the flexible members 55 to-flt between or cooper-" ate with the teeth of the gears 55. There may be two teeth 5.5 on each flexible member 55, one

- for cooperating with the teeth of one gear 55 and the other for cooperating with the teeth of the other gear 55. The engagement of the clutch teeth 551 with the teeth of the gears 55 normally prevents independent rotation of' the gears-55 about their axes so that meshing of the gears 55 with the pinions 55 during rotation qf the drive elementE causes successive partial turnng of the pinions 55 in a direction to tighten the nuts 55. g

When a nut 35 is tightened down to a desired degree of tightness it oflers resistance to rotation f of the pinion 55 with which it is associated, by

its socket 55 and spindle H. and upon a gear 55 moving into" mesh with this pinion 55 the meshing of the teeth of the gear and pinion thus held against rotation results in atorque, being placed on thegear 55- which. overcomes the resiliency of the flexible membersv 55 so that the members are flexed outwardly allowing the teeth of the gear 55 toratchet past the teeth 55. Thus the gear 55 passes the said pinion55 without advancing or turning the'pinion and. therefore,

without further tightening of the tightened down nut 55. The sound or noise produced by the ratcheting of the gear 55 past the teeth 55 audibly indicates to thevoperator that. anut ll has been tightened down to'the' desired degree. From the above it will be seen that the resistance to independent rotation of the gears aboutfth'eir axes elleted by the flexible members i determines the degree of tightness to ,whichithenuts 88 are tightened.

The invention provides tor] the ready regulation of the resilient resistance "oilered by the flexible members it to the independent rotation otthe gears i abouttheir'axea [I are provided in one or bothof theplate's ill and II renderingthe nuts it and us accessible io'r:

; turning or' threading. Itwill be apparent how longitudinal adjustment of thenuts il 'on the studs I'l reg'ulates 'thesetting oi. the members so and the resistance to independent turning oi the gears 55 offered by the members ll.

or adjustingthe clutch means to provide for the tightening of the nuts 38' to selected degree of tightness. V v I It is a feature of ,theinvention that the drive II includes art-operative interconnection or drive 5 between the several spindles I! to [assure the rapid tightening of the nuts 33 to' tightness or tighterduring the initial phase 0! the oper-v ation'of, the wrench. This interconnection *or' t drive ofthe compound drive It includes spools or pulleys 02 on the spindles II, In the simple construction illustrated in the drawings theupulleys't c: are parts orend extensions 01 the'pinions ss. The pulleys 6,2 areoithe same eii'ective diameter. A continuous belt ""1 engages aroundor 35 over the severalpulleysfl. The belt 88 may be retainedon the pulleys "by thefinner sideso! the pinions 'SI and the inner suriace oi the plate ll. The belt .63 trained over the pulleys l2 'iormsa drive between the several pinions II and 4 when the gears engage and turnjtwo diametri- .cally opposite pinions ill during the initial stages of operationtof the wrenchthe belt it drives or; .turns the several other spindles ll so that the nuts 33 are each given a partial tightening rota 5 tion each time the gears" engage a pair of pinions 50. When the nuts I! have been turned tohand tightness or tighter the nuts fllofler such resistance to rotatio'n of the spindles II that the belt 63 slips on thepulleys 62 withouttrans- 5 mitting rotation to the spindles Ii.

I The invention provides means i'or regulating the tautness of the. belt 63. A bolt 64 extends through radial slots 85 in thebodv'plates' l4 and I5 and carries a' rotatable roller it i'or engaging 5 the belt 63. The roller may engage or bear on either the outer side or the inner side of the belt". A setting or tightening nut 01 is threaded on one endof the bolt. .By shifting the bolt 6! in the slots 85 the roller 68 may be made to bear against the belt 61 with greater or less pressure and thus movement of the bolt adjust the tautness oi the belt 03 and determin'esthe degree of tightness to which the nuts II are I turned by the transmission oi jiorce through the belt 6:.

The operationot the wrench shown in Figs. 1

to 4 is as follows: The nuts 33 are flrst started on the studs or bolts 34 by hand :or inf'any other.

desired manner. The power: wrench is then 70 brought to a position where the cup .42 receives or engages over the hub'part N I The engagement of the cup 42 with the hub part positionsor locates the wrench where its sockets may engage the nuts 33. -When the sockets 3| have been properly engaged with the nuts 38 the power Accord-' ingly,-t he nuts 58 comprise means for regulating means may be started or "the iiexible drive D I connected or clutched with the source- 01',

The operator oithe wrench'may sna -8 or hold one or: both of the handles II I during the tion of the wrench to prevent disengagementuoir w.

the sockets-3| 'i'romtheinut sjl; m sip yield topermitthe' engagement births with nuts 33 that may be at" varyinsfrom ;.t m or the s-w. Dd-the 8mi s: urge thesockets so t e m e cient pressure to theprope'r cooperation oi-thes'ocketsnwith the'nuts I- i i Rotation or the drive Dofcoursecausesrotation of the driving element E: I Asthe'element E come into meshing engagem'ent with dials-striacally" opposite pinions as or muons ss at opposite I sides-0f the sent-sot pinions. Theteeth' Oh' the flexible members labels the gears" against independent rotationduring the inltiai m i of operation ofthe tool? so that. the II I' operate to; impart partialrotation tolthe .pinions I 5| as theye s se withthepiuion'sr: ine-melt? a trained over thepull'ey's 82 forms a drive I the several spindles ll thei'ree or initial, 25

threading'in oi the nuts causingthe several spindles "i I to each receive a partial turn or rota.- j

- tion each-*time the gears llijmesh with orat'urn v to diametrically oppositepinions; 'rmu tut belt "interconnects or form's a'connectingdrive be- $0 I tween the spindles H andprovldes for the rapid threadinso! several nuts 881; to hand tightness or v,tishter. "when afnuta I! has been tightened down to hand-tightness or'tig'hter' it 'oii'e'rs men resistance to rotation of-the=spindle as llcarrying thesocket S I 'engagingv-it thatthe belt I} slips on the said pulley 021 without tng. further rotation at the spindle." jAs described above,= thebolt It may be ltd regulate the tautnessroi the-belt l8 and therebyqo' regulate or determine the degree oi' tightness to Y a which the nuts are turnedthrough the action oi the belt Cl and the degree 01' tightness at which a the. belt" slips on the pulleys 02." Asthebelt partially tur'ns or tends to 'partiallyturn' all of.

the spindles ll each time the gears llpartially turntwo oi the pinions II-the severalunuts ll H are soon tightened to hand tightness or tighter depending upon the tautness oi-the belt ,"at

which time the belt tlcessestoi'unction: "rue I belt 01 thereaiter merely slips on the pulleys II 1 I The continued rotation of the driving element 1: successlvelyxbrinss its goals 1 it into -drivin r or turning engagement with; diametrically opposite pinlons'ilto successive y Par ially threadin two 55 diametrically opposite nuts a. Thespring members IO. are usually-orpreierably' adjusted-or set' by the nuts "so thatthe' engagement of their teeth I with the teeth :01 the gears ll oflers sub"- I stantial resistance to lndpendent'rotation ot the gears about theiraXesJ- Thus theigearsfll 'operate as tooth driving parts oith'e element ll to partially turn the P11110118 I. and their-spindles H until the nuts 33 are tighteneddown to a substantial or selected degree of tightness; m 3

progressive successive partial r turning .oiftwo diametrically opposite -spindles t ll asf described above of courseresultsin progressive and;suc-. cessive tightening of pairsoi diametrically opposite nuts} a. "The nutt ss belngtightened down -1 1 I in this manner do not cause strainingg bindlngor.

"distortingofthe-parts being connected. T When a nut 33 hasbe'en turned ddwn to a'selected degree oitightness it 08ers such resistance to rotation 01' the spindle "with which it iscon- -15 theengagementor the sockets 33 with the" nuts or nected that the torque imposed on the gear!!! meshing with'the pinion 53 on that spindle/overcomes the pressureand resiliencyjol the spring .-members 36 to flex the members outwardly and cause the gear to turn or ratchet past the teeth .63.- The teeth oithe gear 55 turning or ratcheting pastthe teeth 33 -produceaisound to audibly indicate to the operator that a nut 33 has been tightened 'do'w'n'toits flnal position-r me us 33" are successively or independently tightened to, the selecteddegree 'oi tightness in this manner, it being noted that the several nuts 33 are each 'in dependently finally-tightened andthat the nuts are all tightened to the same degree '01 tightness. As described above, the setting 'or' adjustment .oi the flexible members 33 determinesithe degree of I tightness to which the nuts 33 are finally turned. When the operator notes" that the wrench no longer. causes turning or rotation 01' anyoi the spindles II the rotation o: the drive D is stopped and the wrench is removed from the work. I

The form c! power wrench illustrated in Figs.

5 to 8, inclusive, of the drawings includes,' ,gen-

' plates. Screws Il may attach the plates 13 and-13 to the shell 13. The body 13 constructed as dust erally, a body-1o, a plurality of chuck or socket '25 'body 13, means 12 for adjusting the spindles- 1F and a drive I3 in thebody l3 ordriving or carryin spindles. 'II adjustably carried "by the ing the spindles".

I .The body 10 maybe'similar, g neranmwtne body I 3' describedabove comprising two end plates '14 and I3 and an annularshell'lli arranged 'between the outer, or peripheral-portions of, the

described .has a comparatively large internal particular case illustrated there are five equally spaced housings orcups 3|vv arranged in an an-A mum or circular series onthe inner side of the plate I5. Suitable handles-32 may project from I the body shell" at oppositesides of the-"body.

The spindles II carry chucks or'sockets 33 'at their outer ends fOl' engaging nuts, bolts, studs or like securing members. In the simple construction illustrated the sockets 33 are fixed to the spindles I- by pins 33 it being apparent-that the sockets 33 may be shiitable on the'spindles in the same manneras the sockets-33. Thechucks'or sockets 33 have polygonal sockets 33 in their outer ends for receiving nuts; the heads of bolts}.

screws or the like. The sockets 33. preferably engage the securing members withsome clearance or freedom otmovement so=that-. the sockets may-be slightly angularly disposed relative to the securing members. The spindles-H project from-- the ends of the cups: ll and are tiltable or adjust-' able relative to thecups. Collars 33 fixed on the spindles II within the cups3I have. spherically curved parts 31 shiitably bearing in correspondingly ,shapedopenings 33, in. the end; walls cr -z, I

- operating stem 33 may be spaced from *tbecen-j f ter otgthe rench where it does not interfere ,with. theccentering means i2. j Theatransmission orgdrive 13 is operable to; simultaneously rotate the several spindles 'IIto the cups 3|. The engagement of the .parts 3.1

in the 09 .88 l3 is such that the spindles ."|I have universal movement in the openmay tilt or The means IT'for' adjusting the spindles II is, such that the spindles may be simultaneously shifted-inwardly or outwardly relative to the cen-,-,

tral longitudinal oi the wrench to facilitate Qdrivingelement I33i'n the body opening .13, pin-H securingpatts, The adjusting means-I2 includes .a member 33 arranged against the outer surface "of the plate 13 and having a tubular part 3I- extending throughcentral openings 32 in the plates .fl'land J5. A nut 33:is threaded on the project- .ing outer end of the part, M to secure the member 93 to '(the body. The member 33 has a'plu- .rality of spaced projectingarms 94.

portionsoi; the arms 34 are outwardly divergent while the outer end portions of the arms I extend laterally or radially outwardly as'shownin Fig. 5 of:the drawings. The arms 34- have-openings 3,53rotatablygreceiv'ing orpassing the spindles 'II adjacentthe ends. oi the cups 3L; Thearms 34 are flexible and normally' tend to spring outwardlycthrough their resiliency-to tilt'the'-spindles "ll tooutwardly flaring or divergentpositions'. I

Means is provided for contracting or moving the arms 94 inwardly. A'shittable stem 33 extends longitudinally through-athe=opehing 31 in the part and carries a head 33 located between theilaring inward parts rot the "arms '34.. A

' handle .39 may be provided on the end porition' of the stem. projecting.- beyond the nut 33. ,A ring I33 surrounds the inner portions of The inner the-arms, s4 and is connected with the head a by fingers I3I passing between the spaced arms 94.; When the stem 33-is pulled to move ther'ing I33 toward; the .bodyplate' I3 the arms are allowedfto spring outwardlyto move or tilt spindles 'II outwardly. When the stem 33 is pushed inwardly to move the ring I33 away from the plate 'l i the ring I33 contacts the flaring. inner portions of, thearms to spring or flex,

thearms-inwardly and thus-tilt the spindles II inwardly or toward the. centrallcngitudinal axis or the wrench.

.m e tratd in Figs. 51:0 8 0f the drawings the tool .or application oirgthe wrench illusis intended to tightennuts I33 threaded on the bolts 134. of awheel-drum I33.y Thhub/I i ofthehwheel projects from the drumtlos and surrounds the series of nuts I33. I thehub I33 is inclined or'outw'ardly' convergent engage thersockets 33 with the nuts I33 the;

The wall'oi making .itgdimcultto engage'the nuts I33. To

stem is pushed inwardly so that:the'ring I33;

flexes the arms 33. inwardly to bring the spindles II to positions where the sockets :33 may be readily entered or passed into the hub m;- Ai't fi verthe sockets" have been located in thehub [33 Y adjacentthe 'nuts I33 the'stem maybe pulled,

outwardly to permit the arms a torsprins-mit-i wardlyand'brihg the sockets 33 in positions to engage the nuts I33. If desired the wrench shown, in Figs. 5 to 8, *inc1usive, of the 'drawingsmayb have a means for centeringor locatingthe similar: to theabove described means I2, i, In

the events. centeringor-positioningfmeans w 30 "lar to the I2, is provided on-the I it may be mounted on the body "II thro shla' yoke}.'bracketJOrthe like s'o that it does not in- *terfere with the-"spindle adjusting means jfl. just described. A spindle 'simi-' larcto-the: meansg'lljma'ybe provided onthe turn the nuts undadefinite and equal decre of tightness. The drive I3 in'cludes'a. rotatable wrench-shownin I igs'. '1' to 4 in which ca'seflts;

ions I09 adapted to be: rotated-by'gthe element housings or cups" to havemeshingengagement with theelement I". The pinions lil are provided with shaitsorvtrunnions I I. rotatable in the openings of bosses III proleetingirom the body plate 14,; Oneoi the pinions Illconstitutes a driver for the element I. The trunnion: III of the driver pinion IlOfis elongated to'woiect throushits boss III and a polygonal socket H2 receiving a polygonalpart III on 'aflexible drive III. It will berapparent' how rotational tation of thedriving element I08 and thuscauses simultaneous rotation of the several pinions' I09. I The clutches Ciorm-operating or drivingfconnections between the pinions I" and :the spin-'- "lies 1i and are automatically and independentlyreleasable when the nuts I have been turned to a desirabledegree. oi tightness. Each clutch c includes a clutch -plate orjdisc m attached to a pinion I. The discs II. have parts extending through and rotatably. bearing in'openings III in the body plate II wherebythe pinions III9 eachhavcrotatable on the two body plates," and It: A complementary and opposing disc III cooperates with each-disc SIS. 3i and are urged against the'discs IIlb'y springs 9 bearing against the collars IL.- The clutch discs Iiii and II! have engaging or meshing parts J20 for transmitting rotation Thefengaging edges or sides of the. clutch parts III are in clined or pitched to slip one on the other when the clutches c are subjected to .suiilcient torque to overcome H9. V h 7 Universal or slack connections are providedbetween the outer clutch discs III and the spindles etslifl'in the discs IIl.fPins li lcarriedmhy the discs 8 extend through transverse slots I24 111 the spindle extensions III are prei.'-

II. The connections may include extensions. III on the spindles III freely or looselyciltting-sock erably .diametric with respect to -the 'centers of curvature r "the parts s1, .The pins lmf have extensive clearance in the slots IN and shiit'able airlally' oriionigitudinallyinthe income permit relative longitudinalvmovementgbetween the spindles," and the clutch discs II k p In the operation of the tor-mot wrenchshown in Fiss.* 5 totjoi thedrawinss the wrenchis first broughtto aposition where-its 83 may jibe] entered in the open outer; end to: the

hub M0,; The handle may be pushedinwardly ausing the cooperation 01th: ring Ill :with the I divergent inner portions oiythe arms .to} bend 1 the arms inwardly and thus move'thespindles -V 'II inward1y.. I'husthespind1 s'li maybebmught to positions where their sockets I! may be passed into the outer open end or the outwardlycou- The wrench is then moved to a sockets l3 adiacentthenuts verging hub I". position to bring the I whereupon the handle it may he pulled'outwardly allowing the arms '4 toilet outwardly and bring the sockets l3 topositionsf where they" may have turning engagements with the nuts I; Thesprings III may yield to permitthe spindles ring ear rotat- V ably bearing on the' inner 0! the shell-IQ. The-9111101151.. are arranged in thebody opening I. in axial alignment with the The discs II! are arranged inthe; cups the pressureexerted by the springs which may initiallybe spaced varying distances from, the,- wrench: .po'wer means a "m mm d r h i v i ,m e im I with thepower-means to operate I Rotation or the drivefl-iil r'esulte in oi the driving lement-mm r am; the. pinion's I l fl '5;are v rotated. The minus; I lmm vihq d m in clutching wentwith thefdlleaqfli so that. rotationoi' the. I ofli e R te n hem 1i 0! course causes-threading or tightening oi-the, w

nuts'IUIQ us nuts ii I! are.

maautilsenm ed- I down tol'the extenmm; it i sistance toirotationoifa spindle JI a v i a t ue n the clutch'oi'the' spin 'dle whichoverthe driver pinion Ileby the drive I causes room o comes the pressureo'ithespring III discji-ie of that clutch moves outwardly away :irom" the" disc III and the clutchparts lllz become disensaged. Itiis to be that the several degree to. which th nuts in are tightenedbeiere y the release of the. clutches-C depends: upon the, pitcher slope oi the engaging sides at the clutch Pa mam n. ex t d ay-the springs III. When the-operator observes'that the spindles II are no longer rotated thc powermeans is stopped or the drive :I Ills disconnected I from the powerw means the wrenehis Based irom the nuts Ill; l'bllowing the'ldisene s isement oi thesocketsli iromthe nuts lll the operator may push inwardly onrthehandle;

to cause the arms to be .ilexed inwardly and at, the same time may move the wrench outwardly so that the-sockets be moved i'rom'the hubiil; w

Having described 1 and applications oi'my invention rao aet wish to be, limited or restricted to the details herein set viorth lbut wish to. reserve'fto ram-ii any variations or I to those skilled in the art-oriallwithin the wove v ofthe i'ollowingclalmsiz. Having described-my invention. ;I :claim:-

' 1. In axwrench:for:tightening;Aplisnalitjloi securing'niembers, a pluralityiot dies operable to transmit roreceto said members-and a transmission operable by a single drive to rotatethe I to'tighten the said members to the I or tightness and no transmission-gm eluding pinionsassoeiatedzwiththe spindles and x a an element drive operable to. suecessivelycooperate bill-Q po'site pinions to partially'rotat'e the '2. a device for tighteningapluraiityj oi' I ed members, a bodygrotatabiefspindles therbodnmm on fQroi-en j gem meme" w m t e the, bOdy'fOl' Wat g thethreade'dmembers, trlnsmiss'ionfinthe e" e e r d desree qi gh n ss! HIM-417 I mission including a drivl seiement, a l 1, drive for continuously "totatinfthe element; a friction" drive normally mummy. operating the v spindlesiroln the body for rotating the turn the mem tivelyiassociated with the spindles and rotated bythe element, and clutch means confined to the drive element for automatically interrupting the 1 securing members, a body, a plurality of rotatable transmission of rotation between the element and the individual spindles as the individual members reach the desired degree of tightness.

, 3. In a wrench for tightening a plurality of spindles carried by the body to project in a single direction therefrom and arranged in spaced parallel relation, means supporting the spindles for rotationabout relatively stationary axes, means on the spindles for engaging the members to turn the same, pinions on the spindles, a drive shaft, and an element rotated by the shaft and operable to successively cooperate with the pinions to turn the spindles. I a r 4. In a wrench for tightening a plurality of securing members. a plurality of rotatable spin-' dles, means on the spindles for engaging the members to turn the same, pinions on the spindies, a drive shaft, an element rotated by the drive shaft operable to successively engage the pinions to partially rotate the individual spindles. and means interconnecting the spindles for simultaneous partial rotation until the individual members offer a selected resistance to rotation of the spindles. v

5. In a wrench for tightening a plurality of securingmembers, a plurality of rotatable spindles, means on the spindles for engaging the members to turn the same, pinions on the spindles, a drive shaft, an element rotated by the drive shaft operable to successively engage the pinions to partially rotate the individual spindles, and means interconnecting the spindles for simultaneous partial rotation until the individual ,members ofler a selected resistance to rotation of the spindles, the last named means including pulleys on the spindles, and a belt trained over the pulleys.

6. In a wrench for-tightening a plurality of securing members,a plurality of rotatable spindles, means on the spindles for engaging the members to turn the same, pinions on the spindles, a drive shaft, an element rotated bythe drive shaft operable to successively engage the pinions to partially rotate the individual spindles, and means interconnecting the spindles for simultaneous partial rotation until th individual members offer a selected resistanc to rotation of the spindles, the last named means including pulleys on the spindles, a belt trained over the pulleys, and means for adjusting the belt to turn the spindles until the members offer a selected resistance to'turning.

'7. In a wrench for tightening a plurality of securing members, a plurality of rotatable spindles operable to transmit tightening forces to said members, and a transmission operable by a single drive to ,rotate the several spindles, the transmission including, pinions on the spindles,

a part rotated by the drive, a gear supportedby- I said part for rotation and adapted to successively mesh with the pinions, and means preventing independent rotation of the gear whereby the gear is operable to successively partially turn the pinions and releasable when the individual members offer a predetermined resistance to rotation of their pinions.

8. In a wrench for. tightening a plurality of securing members, a plurality of rotatable spindles operable to transmit tightening forces to said inembers, and a transmission operable by a single drive to rotate the several spindles; the transmisspindles until the members are sion including, pinions on the spindles, a part rotated by the drive, agear supported by said part for rotation and adapted to successively mesh with the pinions, means preventing independent rotation of the gear whereby the gear isoperable to successively partially turn the pinions and releasable when the individual members offer a predetermined resistance to rotation of their pinions, and means for adjusting the said means to release when the members offer different degrees of resistance to rotation.

9. A wrench for tightening a plurality of threaded members including a body, a plurality of rotatable spindles carried by the body and op- .erable to transmit tightening forces to the members, an operative interconnection between he spindles for transmitting rotation between the spindles and adapted to slip with'respect to the individual spindles when the individual members oifera definite degree of resistance to turning of the spindles, and means for successively imparting partial rotation to the spindles "and automatically de-clutched with respect to the individual spindles when the members .offer a definltedegree of resistance to'rotation.

10. A wrench for tightening a plurality of threaded members including a body, a plurality ,ofrotatable spindles carried by the body and op'- erable to transmit tightening forces to the members, and a compound clutched transmission in the body-for simultaneously imparting partial rotation to the several spindles until the members are hand tight or tighter and then operable to successively impart partial rotation to the spindles until the members a" "ghtened to a segagement of the gears withthe pinions causespartial rotation of the spindles, the releasable means being releasable when the members cite! a predetermined resistance to rotation, pulleys fixed on the spindles, and a belt trained over the pulleys to form an interconnectionbetween the turned to a certain degree of tightness.

12. A wrench for tightening a plurality of securing members including, a plurality of spindles operable to transmit turning forces to said members, and a transmission for rotating the spindles including pinions on the spindles, a clutched driving element operable to successively partially rctate the pinions, and a drive between the several spindles operable to simultaneously transmit partial rotation to the spindles when a spindle is I partially rotated.

13. A wrench for tighteninga pluralityof se-l curing members including, a plurality of spindles operable to transmit turning forces to said members, and a transmission for rotating the spindles including pinions on the spindles, a drive shaft, a driving element freely carried by the shaft and free to rotate and operable by the shaft to successively partially rotate the pinions and a clutch member secured to the shaft to rotate therewith 7 0,0093 n V ment to,- the mindlel "the individnfl mm Id to relembLv mate the drive element it rotates with the shaft.

g the desired on? 14. A wrench ior tightening l bl nlity of la.- connected 7 .fllclutcheddrifving element operable tatethg .nndboltdrinbetynenthgbpin 10 diesopenhieto' rotationto the m is j 16:" Awrench" to: a, I curing member: including n body. n pink rotntlbly;

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