Power driven hose clamp tool

Abstract

A power driven hose clamp tool composed generally of a handle component and an actuator component. The handle component includes an operator handle and a head connected with one end of the handle. The actuator component includes a main body which removably connects with the head and contains a power drive unit which reciprocably moves a T-bar in response to selective pressing of push button controls. Pivotally connected with the T-bar are a pair links which are in turn pivotally connected, respectively, with the near end of a pair of arms. The pair of arms are connected pivotally to the main body. The distal end of the pair of arms is provided with claws for gripping the wings of a spring tension clamp. The pair of links operate in combination with the pair of arms so as to provide a high mechanical advantage due to the scissor-like operation thereof. The preferred power drive unit is a pneumatically operated spring biased piston-cylinder unit contained in the main body and fluidically connected to an external pneumatic system at the handle. A push button operated inlet valve actuates closure of the claws only when depressed, and a push button operated outlet valve vents air pressure only when depressed, thereby resulting in the spring causing the piston to move so as to open the claws. An adjustment screw permits selective adjustment of the distance between claws when fully open and a needle valve permits adjustment of the rate of closing of the claws when the inlet valve is depressed.