Importance

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Abstract

A high impact device, as for producing an impact of 1,000 foot pounds or more, includes a ram which is engageable by a pair of rotating flywheels. The ram may impact a tool, as of a chisel type adapted for demolition purposes, or having a enlarged head for percussion purposes, or other types or purposes. By terminating the engagement of the flywheels with the ram prior to its impact against a tool or similar object, the vibration normally associated with a demolition or percussion device is avoided. Such termination of engagement also reduces reverse shocks and conserves the energy of the rotating flywheels. In one embodiment, the flywheels are moved inwardly and outwardly of the ram through a linkage connected to a solenoid, with each flywheel supported between a pair of arms and alignment of the axis of each flywheel with the side of the corresponding ram being maintained by a torque tube extending between the arms. A guide for the ram extends into a tool housing, and the ram has an enlargement to engage a hole in an upper plate to limit upward movement and on downward movement to engage a metal ring placed above a pair of resilient rings, for resilieintly terminating downward movement of the ram, if necessary. In another embodiment, one flywheel is fixed, although adjustable laterally, while the other flywheel is pivotally mounted and moved by a hydraulic cylinder with each flywheel being rotated by a hydraulic motor. A heavy coil spring is engaged by the ram on its upward stroke and returns the energy, normally dissipated, to the ram to start it down so that the ram is moving downwardly when engaged by the flywheels. A sensor activated on the upward stroke of the ram may control the inward movement of the movable flywheel while a sensor activated on the downward stroke of the ram may control the withdrawal of the movable flywheel from the ram path. Each sensor control is correlated with the lag time in the movement of the ram from the activating position to a position at which the flywheels should engage the ram and a position when the upper end of the ram is just below the flywheels, respectively.

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First Claim