Tool for vertically supporting tie rod assembly on lower support fixture

Abstract

A tool for vertically supporting a shroud repair tie rod assembly having a clevis hook by bracing the clevis hook against a clevis pin incorporated on a lower support fixture toggle-bolted to the shroud support plate. The provision of vertical support at the bottom of the tie rod assembly allows the vertical support at the top of the tie rod assembly to be removed, so that the upper support structure can be coupled to the threaded upper end of the tie rod. The lower end of the tie rod assembly is supported on both sides of a vertical support plate of the fixture. The tool for vertically supporting the lower end of the tie rod assembly comprises a support frame which sits on the top surface of a fixture bracket while receiving the coupled toggle bolt and nut in a recess that allows the tool to rotate about the axis of the toggle bolt. The vertical support tool includes a pivotable locking arm with a channel for receiving a rope, by means of which the tool can be raised and lowered by maintenance personnel standing on the refueling bridge. A threaded hydraulic cylinder is installed in the support frame so that its piston lies directly underneath a bottom surface of one arm of the clevis hook and extends vertically upward in response to cylinder actuation. In the extended position, the distal end of the piston bears against the bottom surface of the clevis hook with sufficient force to vertically support the tie rod assembly against the clevis pin.