Enhanced Press Apparatus

Abstract

A system is disclosed for using a press tool with a limited work output to perform a multi-step press operation to complete a press where the work required for the completed press is greater than the limited work output of the tool. The system includes a press ring actuator assembly, a press ring assembly with multiple press ring sections, or a combination thereof, designed to facilitate multi-step press operations with adjustable engagement surfaces to complete the press with the press tool.

1 . A system for pressing a fitting, comprising:
 a press tool with a given work output;   a press ring actuator assembly;   a press ring assembly; and   the press ring actuator assembly, the press ring assembly, or a combination thereof being adapted to perform a multi-step press operation to complete a press on the fitting where the work required for the completed press on the fitting is greater than the given work output of the tool.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the press ring actuator assembly, the press ring assembly, or a combination thereof being adapted to perform the multi-step press operation comprises a means for adjusting the press ring actuator assembly, the press ring assembly, or the combination thereof, for a partial press or a complete press. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the press ring actuator assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw and is adapted to adjust a maximum jaw spacing between the jaws. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the jaws is rotatable about an eccentric pin, wherein the jaw spacing between the jaws depends on the rotated position of the eccentric pin relative to the at least one jaw. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein each jaw is rotatable about an eccentric pin and the eccentric pins are linked together to maintain a fixed rotational relationship upon rotation of one pin to effect rotation of the other pin. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising an adjustable force profile for the jaws, at one of the jaws having a first engagement surface at a first angle and a second engagement surface at a second angle. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a first set of tips having a first shape, the first set of tips removably coupled to the jaws, and a second pair of tips having a second shape that differs from the first shape and interchangeable with the first set of tips to adjust the jaw spacing. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the press ring assembly comprises an adjustable press ring assembly having a first press ring section and a second press ring section, the adjustable press ring assembly having adjustable engagement surfaces to adjust a spacing between the press ring sections for completing the press. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more rotatable eccentric pins coupled to the first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by rotation thereof. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more rotatable eccentric pins comprises a pin used to couple the ring sections together. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more laterally slidable pins coupled to first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by lateral movement thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more rotatable eccentric pins coupled to first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by rotation thereof. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more movable elements coupled to the press ring sections and adapted to selectively move into a position for engagement with the jaws of the press ring actuator assembly to adjust the spacing of the engagement of the jaws with the press ring assembly. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprises one or more ratchet elements coupled to the press ring sections and adapted to selectively move into a position for engagement with the jaws of the press ring actuator assembly to adjust the spacing of the engagement of the jaws with the press ring assembly. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustable press ring assembly comprises at least a third press ring section and a fourth press ring section, both coupled to the first and second press ring sections, wherein the first and second press ring sections are dimensioned to engage the fitting at a first spacing, and the third and fourth press ring sections are dimensioned to engage the fitting at a second spacing. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of the press rings sections comprises an interface element that interfaces with other press ring sections that requires the press operation to be performed in sequence. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising a hydraulic force multiplier having a first piston in a first hydraulic cylinder coupled to a second piston of a different size, stroke, or a combination thereof in a second hydraulic and a check valve disposed therebetween. 
   
   
       18 . A system for pressing a fitting in a multi-step press operation, the system adapted to increase the total amount of work input into pressing the fitting with a press tool having a given stroke, the system having adjustable engagement surfaces for completing the press, the adjustable engagement surfaces being coupled to a press ring actuator assembly, a press ring assembly adapted to cooperate in the pressing with the press ring actuator assembly, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the press ring actuator assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw and is adapted to adjust a maximum jaw spacing between the jaws. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the jaws is rotatable about an eccentric pin, wherein the jaw spacing between the jaws depends on the rotated position of the eccentric pin relative to the at least one jaw. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein each jaw is rotatable about an eccentric pin and the eccentric pins are linked together to maintain a fixed rotational relationship upon rotation of one pin to effect rotation of the other pin. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising an adjustable force profile for the jaws, at one of the jaws having a first engagement surface at a first angle and a second engagement surface at a second angle. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising a first set of tips having a first shape, the first set of tips removably coupled to the jaws, and a second pair of tips having a second shape that differs from the first shape and interchangeable with the first set of tips to adjust the jaw spacing. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the jaws are adapted to use a tip of the first shape on one first jaw and a tip of the second shape on a second jaw to further adjust the jaw spacing. 
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the adjustable press ring assembly comprises a first press ring section and a second press ring section, the adjustable press ring assembly having adjustable engagement surfaces to adjust a spacing between the press ring sections for completing the press. 
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more rotatable eccentric pins coupled to the first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by rotation thereof. 
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the one or more rotatable eccentric pins comprises a pivot pin used to couple the ring sections together and about which the ring sections pivot relative to each other. 
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more laterally slidable pins coupled to first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by lateral movement thereof. 
   
   
       29 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more rotatable eccentric pins coupled to first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by rotation thereof. 
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more movable elements coupled to the press ring sections and adapted to selectively move into a position for engagement with the jaws of the press ring actuator assembly to adjust the spacing of the engagement of the jaws with the press ring assembly. 
   
   
       31 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprises one or more ratchet elements coupled to the press ring sections and adapted to selectively move into a position for engagement with the jaws of the press ring actuator assembly to adjust the spacing of the engagement of the jaws with the press ring assembly. 
   
   
       32 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the adjustable press ring assembly comprises at least a third press ring section and a fourth press ring section, both coupled to the first and second press ring sections, wherein the first and second press ring sections are dimensioned to engage the fitting at a first spacing, and the third and fourth press ring sections are dimensioned to engage the fitting at a second spacing. 
   
   
       33 . The system of  claims 32 , wherein at least one of the press rings sections comprises an interface element that interfaces with other press ring sections that requires the press operation to be performed in sequence. 
   
   
       34 . The system of  claim 18 , comprising a hydraulic force multiplier coupled to the press ring actuator assembly having a first piston in a first hydraulic cylinder coupled to a second piston of a different size in a second hydraulic and a check valve disposed therebetween. 
   
   
       35 . A method of pressing a fitting in a multi-step pressing operation, comprising:
 placing a press ring assembly around a fitting, the press ring assembly having a first ring section and a second ring section pivotally coupled to each other;   engaging the press ring assembly with a press ring actuator assembly having a pair of jaws;   actuating the press ring actuator assembly to press the first and second ring sections toward each other to at least partially press the fitting;   adjusting the press ring actuator assembly, press ring assembly, or a combination thereof to accommodate a smaller cross sectional dimension of the fitting and reactuating the press ring actuator assembly to finalize the press with the press ring and increase the total amount of work input into pressing the fitting with a press tool having a given stroke.   
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein adjusting comprises adjusting one or more engagement surfaces coupled to the press ring actuator assembly, press ring assembly, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the press ring actuator assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw with a pin, and wherein adjusting the press ring actuator assembly comprises rotating the pin relative to the jaws to adjust the spacing between the jaws. 
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the pin comprises an eccentric portion and rotating the pin relative to the jaws comprises rotating the eccentric portion to adjust the spacing. 
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising adjusting a force profile for the jaws by providing at least one of the jaws with a first engagement surface at a first angle and a second engagement surface at a second angle. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 37 , further comprising a first set of tips having a first shape, the first set of tips removably coupled to the jaws, and a second pair of tips having a second shape that differs from the first shape and wherein adjusting the press ring actuator assembly comprises interchanging the first set of tips with the second set of tips to adjust the jaw spacing. 
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the press ring assembly comprises a first press ring section and a second press ring section, and wherein adjusting the press ring assembly comprises adjusting one or more engagement surfaces between the press ring sections. 
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the engagement surfaces comprise one or more rotatable eccentric pins coupled to the first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and wherein adjusting one or more engagement surfaces comprises rotating one or more of the eccentric pins. 
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the engagement surfaces comprise one or more laterally slidable pins coupled to the first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and wherein adjusting one or more engagement surfaces comprises sliding laterally one or more of the eccentric pins. 
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the engagement surfaces comprise one or more movable elements coupled to the press ring sections, and wherein adjusting one or more engagement surfaces comprises moving one or more of the movable elements into a position for engagement with the jaws of the press ring actuator assembly. 
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprises one or more ratchet elements coupled to the press ring sections, and wherein adjusting one or more engagement surfaces comprises moving the one or more ratchet elements into a position for engagement with the jaws of the press ring actuator assembly. 
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the adjustable press ring assembly comprises at least a third press ring section and a fourth press ring section, both coupled to the first and second press ring sections, and wherein adjusting one or more engagement surfaces comprises engaging the fitting with first and second press ring sections at a first spacing, and engaging the fitting with the third and fourth press ring sections at a second spacing. 
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein at least one of the press rings sections comprises an interface element and wherein actuating the press ring actuator assembly comprises limiting an actuation of the first and second press ring sections relative to an actuation of the third and fourth press ring sections in a sequential order. 
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein actuating the press ring actuator assembly comprises actuating a hydraulic force multiplier to increase the work input into pressing the fitting. 
   
   
       49 . A system for pressing a fitting in a multi-step press operation, comprising a press ring actuator assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw, the press ring actuator assembly being adapted to adjust a maximum jaw spacing between the jaws. 
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 49 , further comprising a press ring assembly adapted to be selectively engageable with the press ring actuator assembly. 
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 49  wherein at least one of the jaws is rotatable about an eccentric pin, wherein the jaw spacing between the jaws depends on the rotated position of the eccentric pin relative to the at least one jaw. 
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 51 , wherein each jaw is rotatable about an eccentric pin and the eccentric pins are linked together to maintain a fixed rotational relationship upon rotation of one pin to effect rotation of the other pin. 
   
   
       53 . The system of  claim 49 , further comprising an adjustable force profile for the jaws, at one of the jaws having a first engagement surface at a first angle and a second engagement surface at a second angle. 
   
   
       54 . The system of  claim 49 , further comprising a first set of tips having a first shape, the first set of tips removably coupled to the jaws, and a second pair of tips having a second shape that differs from the first shape and interchangeable with the first set of tips to adjust the jaw spacing. 
   
   
       55 . The system of  claim 49 , comprising a hydraulic force multiplier coupled to the press ring actuator assembly having a first piston in a first hydraulic cylinder coupled to a second piston of a different size in a second hydraulic and a check valve disposed therebetween. 
   
   
       56 . A system for pressing a fitting in a multi-step press operation, comprising a press ring assembly having adjustable engagement surfaces for completing the press. 
   
   
       57 . The system of  claim 56 , comprising a press ring actuator assembly selectively engageable with the press ring assembly. 
   
   
       58 . The system of  claim 56 , wherein the press ring assembly comprises a first press ring section and a second press ring section, the press ring assembly having adjustable engagement surfaces to adjust a spacing between the press ring sections for completing the press. 
   
   
       59 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more rotatable eccentric pins coupled to the first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by rotation thereof. 
   
   
       60 . The system of  claim 59 , wherein the one or more rotatable eccentric pins comprises a pivot pin used to couple the ring sections together and about which the ring sections pivot relative to each other. 
   
   
       61 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more laterally slidable pins coupled to first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by lateral movement thereof. 
   
   
       62 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more rotatable eccentric pins coupled to first press ring section, the second press ring section, or a combination thereof, and adapted to change the spacing between the ring sections by rotation thereof. 
   
   
       63 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprise one or more movable elements coupled to the press ring sections and adapted to selectively move into a position for engagement with jaws of a press ring actuator assembly to adjust the spacing of the engagement of the jaws with the press ring assembly. 
   
   
       64 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the adjustable engagement surfaces comprises one or more ratchet elements coupled to the press ring sections and adapted to selectively move into a position for engagement with jaws of a press ring actuator assembly to adjust the spacing of the engagement of the jaws with the press ring assembly. 
   
   
       65 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the press ring assembly comprises at least a third press ring section and a fourth press ring section, both coupled to the first and second press ring sections, wherein the first and second press ring sections are dimensioned to engage the fitting at a first spacing, and the third and fourth press ring sections are dimensioned to engage the fitting at a second spacing. 
   
   
       66 . The system of  claims 65 , wherein at least one of the press rings sections comprises an interface element that interfaces with other press ring sections that requires the press operation to be performed in sequence. 
   
   
       67 . The system of  claim 56 , comprising a hydraulic force multiplier selectively engageable with the press ring assembly having a first piston in a first hydraulic cylinder coupled to a second piston of a different size in a second hydraulic and a check valve disposed therebetween.