HYDRAULIC TUBE EXPANDER AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A hydraulic tube expander includes expanding jaws engageable with an interior surface of a tube to expand the tube; a source of hydraulic fluid, a valve located between the source and the expanding jaws and a single-action release actuator operatively coupled to the valve. The valve is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, hydraulic fluid can pass from the source to the expanding jaws and in the open position the hydraulic fluid can pass from the expanding jaws to the source. The actuator is movable between first and second positions. In the first position the valve is in the closed position. Movement of the actuator in a direction from the first position toward the second position moves the valve into the open position.

主权项

1. A hydraulic tube expander comprising:
expanding jaws engageable with an interior surface of a tube to expand the tube;a source of hydraulic fluid;
a valve located between the source and the expanding jaws and moveable between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position the hydraulic fluid can flow from the source to the expanding jaws and in the open position the hydraulic fluid can flow from the expanding jaws to the source; and a single-action release actuator operatively coupled to the valve and movable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position the valve is in the closed position, and movement of the actuator in a direction from the first position toward the second position moves the valve into the open position.