The invention relates to a method for the controlled and automatic tensioning of bolts pre-installed in a flange joint between a hub and a main shaft in a nacelle of a wind turbine as well as to a bolt tensioning system for such method. The method comprises arranging a fixture inside the nacelle and mounting a bolt tensioning tool to the fixture which is mounted movable in an axial direction and in a working area perpendicularly hereto. First the flange joint is rotated to position a first set of bolts within the working area of the bolt tensioning tool, and then the bolt tensioning tool is controlled alternately to move the tensioning tool into a position for tensioning a bolt and to tension the bolt, until all bolts of the first set of bolts have been tensioned. The rotation of the flange joint may be controlled by operating a rotation tool operably connected to the main shaft, gearbox, and/or generator.

A method for preloading a bearing includes releasably, threadably, and directly attaching an attaching member to a circumferential outside surface of an exposed end of a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle. A frame is axially separated from, and coupled to, the attaching member. A plurality of extensions extends from the frame axially past the attaching member toward the wheel hub assembly. An adjustment mechanism moves the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to contact the wheel hub assembly and/or the bearing to apply a preload to the bearing within the wheel hub assembly.

The invention relates to a method for the controlled and automatic tensioning of bolts pre-installed in a flange joint between a hub and a main shaft in a nacelle of a wind turbine as well as to a bolt tensioning system for such method. The method comprises arranging a fixture inside the nacelle and mounting a bolt tensioning tool to the fixture which is mounted movable in an axial direction and in a working area perpendicularly hereto. First the flange joint is rotated to position a first set of bolts within the working area of the bolt tensioning tool, and then the bolt tensioning tool is controlled alternately to move the tensioning tool into a position for tensioning a bolt and to tension the bolt, until all bolts of the first set of bolts have been tensioned. The rotation of the flange joint may be controlled by operating a rotation tool operably connected to the main shaft, gearbox, and/or generator.

A method for controlling a level of quality of screwdriving by a screwdriver relative to a predetermined screwdriving objective. Such a method takes account of a series of data that are representative of the rise in torque of at least two screwdrivings of screws at a predetermined angular frequency and includes: obtaining a sub-series of data for each of the screwdriving operations, corresponding to a sub-series of measurements delivering the sub-series of data; optimized aggregation of the sub-series, to form the series of data, including eliminating data corresponding to a number of measurements that is determined according to a criterion of optimization of periodicity; and analyzing the series of data, delivering information representative of a dispersion and/or a deviation relative to the screwdriving objective, resulting from disturbances induced by the screwdriver.

A torque wrench for multiple bolts or nuts comprises multiple drive spindles arranged annularly around a center and equipped or able to be equipped at the end with respective torque-applying tools, and a ratchet drive, associated with each drive spindle and driven by a hydraulic piston drive, for driving the drive spindles. The drive spindles are rotatably mounted and held in a drive block and have a drive portion at each end, which protrudes from the drive block. The drive sections of the drive spindles serve to bear the torque-applying tools on one side of the drive block, in which drive block the pistons of the piston drives are routed in cylinder housings, such that said pistons are translationally displaceable in both directions. The piston rods are kinematically connected to the ratchet lever for transferring a forward stroke movement and a return stroke movement to respective ratchet levers with pawls. The drive block has at least one fluid distribution cavity in its center area, into which open multiple fluid ducts located in the drive block, wherein a fluid connection between the fluid distribution cavity and a first fluid input of a cylinder housing is established by each fluid duct. A fluid distributor with an annular duct connected to a fluid supply duct is arranged on a flat side of the drive block as a fluid distribution cavity, into which multiple fluid ducts open, wherein a fluid connection between the fluid distribution cavity and a second fluid input of a cylinder housing is established by each fluid duct.

The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for setting a screw, in particular a flow drilling screw. In accordance with the method, the screw is driven at a first revolution speed and at a first axial feed force during a time-limited first phase to drive the screw through at least one component. In the event that the screw does not penetrate the component during the first phase, the screw is automatically driven at a second revolution speed that is higher than a first rotation speed and/or at a second axial feed force that is greater than a first axial feed force during a second phase subsequent to the first phase.

An apparatus for securing an insert in a hole, the insert having an axis, a section comprising a thread disposed around the axis and a section comprising a plurality of splines, and the hole having a section comprising a corresponding thread and a section comprising a plurality of grooves corresponding to said splines, the apparatus comprising a driver arranged to rotate the insert, a torque measurement device arranged to measure the driving torque applied by the driver, and a controller arranged to cause the driver to drive the insert into the hole until the splines are level in the axial direction with the grooves by rotating the insert in a first direction, and align the splines with the grooves by causing the driver to further rotate the threaded insert whilst measuring the driving torque using the torque measuring device, and stopping the further rotation based on the measured driving torque.

Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.

A torque wrench for multiple bolts or nuts comprises multiple drive spindles that are arranged annularly around a center and are equipped or able to be equipped at the end with respective torque-applying tools, and a ratchet drive, associated with each drive spindle and driven by means of a hydraulic piston drive, for driving the drive spindles. The torque wrench for multiple bolts or nuts also comprises an actuator unit for inducing a rotary movement in the drive spindles, having an actuating wheel mounted rotatably about the axis of the center of the annular arrangement of the drive spindles as drive wheel, which drives respective output wheels fitted on the drive spindles, wherein the driving movement of the actuating wheel is transmitted to the drive spindle via respective torque limiters.

A method for coupling a first tubular component including a threaded portion with a second tubular component including a threaded portion, which includes: engaging the first tubular component on the second tubular component; rotating the first tubular component relative to the second tubular component in order to screw the threaded portions together; obtaining a set of points constituting a curve that represents the torque applied during the screwing of the first tubular component until an end position as a function of the number of turns performed by the first tubular component relative to the second tubular component; comparing parameters of the curve obtained with one or more reference curve(s) of a database in which each reference curve is associated with an assessment of the quality of the coupling; and assessing the quality of the coupling according to the step of comparing the curve.