Beam regulator apparatus and actuator

Abstract

Provided is beam regulator apparatus (10) comprising a collar (12) defining a passage (14), and at least one regulating impediment (16) arranged within said passage (14), the impediment (16) configured to be deployable between a first position wherein the impediment (16) obstructs passing a beam (8) via said passage (14), and a second position wherein a beam (8) is passable via said passage (14). Apparatus (10) also includes at least one detector (18) arranged at an entrance to said passage (14), the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam (8) and, if such beam is detected, to actuate the at least one regulating impediment (16) into the second position. In this manner, passing only a beam of such predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile via said passage (14) is regulatable.

Description

BEAM REGULATOR APPARATUS AND ACTUATORTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to tools and mechanical implements, and more specifically to beam regulator apparatus and an associated actuator comprising such beam regulator apparatus.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Hydraulic, pneumatic and related linear actuators are well-known in the art of engineering and their use as tools and associated mechanical implements is widespread. For example, tools commonly known as bearing pullers and wheel pullers are hydraulic pullers used to remove shaft mounted items such as bearings, gears, sleeves, wheels and sprockets without requiring time-consuming and unsafe manual hammering, heating or prying. Similar hydraulic tools are also used to extract pins from articulated joints on heavy earthmoving machinery, and hydraulic pullers are used to remove, for example, parts from a shaft, such as bearings, pins, pulleys, or gears, and the like.

[0004] Hydraulic pullers typically operate with controlled hydraulic forces to separate parts, particularly when comparedto manual means. When used correctly, hydraulic pullers do not damage parts during maintenance, which can be an important factor during time sensitive operations, e.g. where bearings or passages must be heated, or the like. There are several factors which could influence the choice of hydraulic puller for an application. Size is one factor that needs to be considered, with another factor being the required force, which can be influenced by outside factors such as the age of the bearing or gearing that needs to be removed, and the conditions under which the system operates, e.g. heavy-duty farming vs a relatively clean factory indoors, etc.

[0005] A critical part of the operation of such hydraulic pullers is a size and strength of a beam used to transfer force between the hydraulic actuator and a part requiring displacement. Such a beam typically takes the form of a threaded pulling rod, which is positioned between a part to be moved and the hydraulic actuator which exerts force via said rod onto the part. Suitable clamps, collars and frames may also be used to position the threaded rod and actuator as needed .

[0006] A shortcoming with the use of such hydraulic pulling equipment making use of pulling rods is where an insufficiently strong or robust pulling beam or rod is used with a hydraulic actuator, e.g. a pulling rod is incorrectly matched with a higher capacity hydraulic actuator. Pulling rods have a rated capacity at which their maximum tensile strength will not be exceeded, e.g. an M20 pulling rod may be rated at 30 tons, or the like. If such rated tensile strength is exceeded by the hydraulic actuator during operation, the rod can catastrophically fail, releasing significant potential energywhich can injure or kill personnel and / or cause damage to equipment .

[0007] For example, in Australia there have been eightyseven workers' compensation claims accepted relating to hydraulic plant accidents over the previous five years since 2023, fifteen of these which were for serious injuries. Similarly, since July 2016, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has been notified of forty-five incidents involving hydraulic tool failure, twenty-four of these which resulted in injuries requiring either hospitalisation or medical treatment. Since 1 July 2016, WHSQ has also issued eleven improvement and / or prohibition notices for failure to ensure proper use of hydraulic plant and equipment, and six improvement notices for failure to ensure safe systems of work relating to isolated hydraulic work.

[0008] Ensuring the use of adequately rated pulling rods with hydraulic pulling equipment is difficult, as work personnel may operate under difficult or time-sensitive circumstances, such as having to heat components to be joined or separated in order to manage thermal expansion or contraction, or the like. Often, work personnel may not realise the importance of using an appropriately rated pulling rod and simply use what is available, which can have catastrophic results .

[0009] The current invention was conceived with this shortcoming in mind in an attempt to ameliorate the practice of hydraulic pulling equipment and the correct use of adequately-rated pulling rods.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to a 'beam' generally includes broad and non- exhaustive reference to any elongate , tubular, or (usually but not necessarily) cylindrical rod, member or shaft used to resist longitudinal extension ( or compression) , often as part of mechanical work, such as in a workshop using pulling or pushing tools , such as hydraulic, pneumatic and related actuators . As such, a cross-sectional profile of such a beam is non-limiting and may take various forms . Additionally, reference herein to hydraulic broadly includes reference to pneumatic and similar linear actuating means , such as electromechanical actuators , unless a context clearly indicates otherwise .

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided beam regulator apparatus comprising : a collar defining a passage ; at least one regulating impediment arranged within said passage , the impediment configured to be deployable between a first position wherein the impediment obstructs passing a beam via said passage , and a second position wherein a beam is passable via said passage ; and at least one detector arranged at an entrance to said passage , the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to actuate the at least one regulating impediment into the second position; wherein passing only a beam of such predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile via said passage is regulatable .

[0012] In an embodiment, the collar comprises an annulus about said passage.

[0013] In an embodiment, the collar defines the passage to have a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile according to a tensile strength rating of a beam.

[0014] In an embodiment, the collar is configured for operative engagement with a hydraulic actuator for applying a force to a beam passed through the passage.

[0015] In an embodiment, the regulating impediment comprises a detent swivelably arranged within the passage so that, in the first position, the detent lies across a portion of the passage and, in the second position, the detent is swivelled into the collar distal from the passage.

[0016] In an embodiment, the detent comprises biasing means, such as a spring, arranged to bias the detent into the first position.

[0017] In an embodiment, the detent comprises a U-shaped part having two substantially side-by-side legs and a transverse member, the U-shaped part pivoted within the collar proximate the transverse member so that one of the legs extends into the passage as regulating impediment, the other leg arranged within the collar for actuation by the detector.

[0018] In an embodiment, the detent is angled within the passage in the first position to impede passing the beam via the passage in one direction only.

[0019] In an embodiment , the detector comprises a link pivotably arranged within the collar proximate the detent and having a protrusion proj ecting into the passage in a predetermined manner according to the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam, and a finger extending towards the detent and configured to interlock therewith, said finger locking the detent in the first position until the protrusion is urged to pivot said finger to actuate the detent into the second position .

[0020] In an embodiment , the link comprises biasing means , such as a spring, to bias the protrusion into the passage .

[0021] In an embodiment , the finger of the link is configured to lie within the U-shaped part between the side- by-side legs to lock the detent in the first position .

[0022] In an embodiment , the link and / or detent defines cammed surfaces configured to facilitate interaction between said link and detent when the detector actuates the regulating impediment between the first and second positions .

[0023] In an embodiment , the protrusion of the detector comprises a bearing to facilitate passing of the beam as the protrusion is urged to pivot the finger .

[0024] In an embodiment , a distance which the protrusion of the detector is arranged to proj ect into the passage determines the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam passable via the passage .

[0025] In an embodiment , the regulating impediment and actuator are unitarily arranged within a removeable cartridge ,the collar defining a slot therein for receiving said cartridge therein .

[0026] In an embodiment , the detectors are spaced about and / or at opposite sides of the passage to determine the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam passable via the passage .

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic rod puller actuator comprising : a hydraulic cylinder arrangement configured to provide a linear force ; and a body including a collar defining a passage through which a beam is passable for trans ferring said provided force , the collar comprising : at least one regulating impediment arranged within said passage , the impediment configured to be deployable between a first position wherein the impediment obstructs passing a beam via said passage , and a second position wherein a beam is passable via said passage ; and at least one detector arranged at an entrance to said passage , the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to actuate the at least one regulating impediment into the second position; wherein passing only a beam of such predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile via said passage is regulatable .

[0028] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic rod puller comprising beam regulator apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention .

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a hydraulic actuator comprising : a hydraulic cylinder arrangement configured to provide a linear force ; a controllable hydraulic supply configured to actuate said hydraulic cylinder ; and a body including a collar defining a passage through which a beam is passable for trans ferring said provided force , the collar comprising at least one detector arranged at an entrance to said passage , the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to enable the hydraulic supply; wherein the hydraulic actuator is only operable i f such predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile is detected .

[0030] In an embodiment , the detector is selectable from a non-exhaustive group consisting of a microswitch, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a contact sensor , a radio transceiver and an optical sensor .

[0031] In an embodiment , the detector is configured to enable the hydraulic supply by means of a suitable hydraulic and / or electrical lockout , e . g . a fail-safe switch, or the like .

[0032] In an embodiment , the passage includes at least one regulating impediment configured to be deployable between a first position wherein the impediment obstructs passing a beam via said passage , and a second position wherein a beam is passable via said passage , the at least one regulating impediment actuatable into the second position i f the detectordetects the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam .

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided beam regulator apparatus and an associated actuator comprising such beam regulator apparatus , substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front perspective view representation of one example of beam regulator apparatus , in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic front perspective view representation of the beam regulator apparatus of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is diagrammatic side perspective view representation of the beam regulator apparatus of Figure 1 , showing internal components thereof ;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side-sectional representation of an example of the beam regulator apparatus of Figure 1 ;Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a regulating impediment and detector of the beam regulator apparatus in a first position;Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the regulating impediment and detector of Figure 5 in a second position;Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective rendered representation of the beam regulator apparatus of Figure 1 , showing a beam passed through a passage thereof ;Figure 8 is a diagrammatic front-view representation of the beam regulator apparatus of Figure 7 ;Figure 9 is diagrammatic perspective rendered representation of the beam of Figure 7 interacting with a regulating impediment and detector of the beam regulator apparatus of Figure 7 ;Figure 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view representation of a cartridge having the regulating impediment and actuator unitarily arranged therein;Figure 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view representation of the cartridge of Figure 10 showing the regulating impediment in a second position; andFigure 12 is another diagrammatic perspective view representation of the cartridge of Figure 11 .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present inventionto the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0035] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0036] Addit ionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0037] Broadly, the present invention provides for beam regulator apparatus 10 which finds particular application in regulating the use of appropriately rated and / or si zed pulling rods or beams 8 when using a hydraulic puller or related equipment . In particular, beam regulator apparatus 10 is speci fically configured to allow passage of a beam 8 having a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile which is typically linked to a tensile strength of such a beam 8 . For example , a steel beam having a 20mm diameter may have a speci fic tensile load rating, and a workshop may be supplied with a number of pulling beams of di f ferent diameters and / or cross-sectional profiles , each having a di f ferent tensile load rating . Beam regulator apparatus 10 ensures that a speci fichydraulic actuator can only be used with a suitably-rated beam 8, i.e. beam regulator apparatus 10 prevents passing a smaller diameter beam via passage 14, as described in more detail below .

[0038] Referring now to the accompanying figures, there is shown one possible embodiment of such beam regulator apparatus 10, which broadly comprises a collar 12, at least one regulating impediment 16, and at least one detector 18. The collar 12 generally defines a passage 14 therethrough. In one embodiment, the collar 12 comprises an annulus, such as a metal annulus, about said passage 14, as shown. Of course, variations on a configuration of the collar 12 are possible and expected. In one embodiment, the collar 12 typically defines the passage 14 to have a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile according to a tensile strength rating of a beam 8. For example, a beam with a 30-ton tensile rating may have a 20mm diameter, and the collar 12 may define a suitably-sized passage for receiving such a beam. As described below, beam regulator apparatus 10 prevents beams with smaller diameters from passing through the passage 14, and beams with larger diameters or unregulated profiles cannot fit into the passage 14, which is specifically shaped and / or dimensioned to accept a particular beam diameter and / or profile.

[0039] In a typical embodiment, the collar 12 is configured for operative engagement with a hydraulic actuator (not shown) for applying a force to such a beam passed through the passage 14. For example, the collar 12 may be incorporated into such a hydraulic actuator, such as a hydraulic rod puller, or the like. In that manner, apparatus 10 is able to limit the use of the hydraulic actuator to appropriately-sized beams.Accordingly, the present invention extends to a hydraulic actuator including such beam regulator apparatus 10 .

[0040] Apparatus 10 also includes at least one regulating impediment 16 which is generally arranged within or proximate the passage 14 . The regulating impediment 16 is configured to be deployable between a first position ( as shown in Figure 5 ) wherein the impediment 16 obstructs passing a beam 8 via the passage 14 , and a second position ( as shown in Figure 6 ) wherein a beam 8 is passable via said passage 14 .

[0041] In the exempli fied embodiment , the regulating impediment 16 comprises a detent 20 swivelably arranged within the passage 14 so that , in the first position, the detent 20 lies across a portion of the passage 14 to obstruct or impede the passing of a beam via said passage 14 . In the second position, the detent 20 is swivelled into the collar 12 distal or away from the passage 14 , so that the detent does not impede or obstruct the passage of a beam via the passage 14 . In a typical embodiment , the detent 20 comprises biasing means , such as a spring (not shown) , arranged to bias the detent 20 into the first position . In one embodiment , the detent 20 may be angled within the passage 14 , as shown, when in the first position to impede passing the beam via the passage in one direction only, i . e . the detent 20 is angled and biased so that passing a beam 8 from the angled side of the detent 20 urges the detent into the collar without requiring actuation by the detector 18 , described in more detail below .

[0042] Apparatus 10 further includes at least one detector 18 which is arranged at an entrance to the passage 14 , or proximate said regulating impediment 16 , with such a detector 18 configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam 8 and, i f such beam diameter and / or cross-sectional profile is detected, to actuate the at least one regulating impediment 16 into the second position .

[0043] In the exempli fied embodiment , as shown in Figures 5 and 6 , the detent 20 comprises a U-shaped part 22 having two substantially side-by-side legs 24 and a transverse member 26 . The U-shaped part 22 is pivoted within the collar 12 proximate the transverse member 26 so that one of the legs 24 extends into the passage 12 as regulating impediment 16 , the other leg 24 arranged within the collar 12 for actuation by the detector 18 . Accordingly, in this embodiment , the detector 18 comprises a link 28 which pivotably arranged within the collar 12 proximate the detent 20 , as shown, and has a protrusion 30 proj ecting into the passage 14 in a predetermined manner according to the predetermined diameter and / or cros s-sectional profile of the beam, e . g . raised 1mm above a surface of the collar 12 , or the like . The detector 18 further includes a finger 32 extending towards the detent 20 and configured to interlock therewith, where the finger 32 of the link 28 is configured to lie within the U-shaped part 22 between the side- by-side legs 24 to lock the detent 20 in the first position . In such a manner , the finger 32 locks the detent 20 in the first position until the protrusion 30 is urged to pivot said finger 32 to actuate the detent 20 into the second position .

[0044] Typically, the link 28 comprises biasing means , such as a spring (not shown) , to bias the protrusion 30 into the passage . The link 28 and / or detent 20 also typically defines cammed surfaces configured to facilitate interaction between said link 28 and detent 20 when the detector 18 actuates the regulating impediment 16 between the first and second positions . In one embodiment , the protrusion 30 of the detector18 comprises a bearing, such as a roller bearing, or a similar camming or guiding surface , in order to facilitate passing of the beam 8 as the protrusion 30 is urged to pivot the finger 32 .

[0045] Importantly, a distance and / or position at which the protrusion and / or bearing 30 of the detector 18 is arranged to proj ect into the passage 12 generally determines the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam passable via the passage 12 . Similarly, or additionally, the detectors 18 are typically spaced about and / or at opposite sides of the passage 12 to determine the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile o f the beam passable via the passage 12 . For example , i f the passage 14 is configured to accept a 20mm cross-sectional pulling rod, then an internal diameter of the passage 12 may be 21mm, with the protrusion and / or bearing 30 of the detector 18 configured to protrude for a distance of 0 . 5mm at various positions about an inside of said passage 14 , or the like . I f a pulling rod of 18mm is inserted into the passage 12 , the rod will not ' trigger' all of the detectors so that the respective regulating impediments 16 will remain in place and obstruct passage of the undersi zed beam via the passage 14 .

[0046] In one embodiment, as shown in the accompanying figures , the regulating impediment 16 and actuator 18 are unitarily arranged within a removeable cartridge 34 , with the collar 12 defining a slot therein, as shown, for receiving said cartridge 34 therein in a complementary manner . Such cartridges 34 allows quick replacement of broken or di f ferently-si zed detectors with impediment 16 , allowing one collar 12 to be used with various beams 8 of varying si zes , as needed . In an example where the detent 20 is angled, aplurality of cartridges 34 may be arranged to face in opposite directions of the passage 14 in order to regulate the passage of a beam 8 from either side of said passage .

[0047] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that variations on the above-described embodiment as possible and expected . Accordingly, the present invention includes a hydraulic rod puller actuator which comprises a hydraulic cylinder arrangement configured to provide a linear force ; and a body including a collar 12 as described, which generally defines a passage 14 through which a beam 8 is passable for trans ferring said provided force . In such an embodiment , the collar 12 may comprise at least one regulating impediment 16 arranged within said passage 14 , and at least one detector 18 which is arranged at an entrance to the passage , with the detector 18 configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to actuate the at least one regulating impediment into the second position .

[0048] In a yet further embodiment , the present invention may comprise a hydraulic actuator comprising a hydraulic cylinder arrangement configured to provide a linear force , a controllable hydraulic supply, such as a pump, which is configured to actuate said hydraulic cylinder , and a body including a collar 12 defining passage 14 through which a beam is passable for trans ferring said provided force . In such an embodiment , the collar 12 may comprise at least one detector 18 arranged at an entrance to said passage , the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross- sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to enable the hydraulic supply and / or remove the regulating impediment 16 , i f present . For example , the detector 18 maycomprise a microswitch, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a contact sensor, a radio transponder, an optical sensor, etc.

[0049] In such an embodiment, the detector 18 is typically configured to enable the hydraulic supply by means of a suitable hydraulic and / or electrical lockout, e.g. a fail-safe switch, or the like, but the hydraulic actuator may also include a suitable regulating impediment 16 which is only removed from the passage on detecting the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a suitable beam 8.

[0050] For example, in one embodiment, the detector 18 may take the form of a radio transceiver, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitter, configured to interact with a similar RRFID transponder in a suitable beam 8. If a 'correct' RFID tag is not present in the beam, the 'correct' RFID tag indicative of a predetermined diameter and / or cross- sectional profile, the hydraulic supply will not activate, and / or the regulating impediment 16 is not removed from the passage 14, thereby providing a fail-safe switch against incorrect or unsafe use.

[0051] In use, in such an embodiment, an operator may insert a beam or rod 8, such as a threaded rod, into the passage 14 defined by the collar 12. An RFID reader in the collar 12 scans the RFID tag embedded in the beam or rod 8, reading its unique identifier. A suitable controller (not shown) checks the RFID data against a database of approved rod specifications for the specific hydraulic actuator or tool. If the rod's diameter and grade are correct, the controller signals the controllable hydraulic or electrical supply so that an actuator moves theregulating impediment 16, allowing the beam or rod 8 to pass through the passage. The hydraulic tool is now ready for use with the verified pulling rod. Such an embodiment may add a further layer of safety by verifying both the rod's diameter and its grade (strength) , reducing the risk of using an incorrect rod. The RFID system can potentially log usage data, track rod maintenance history, and aid in inventory management. Of course, variations hereon are possible and expected with the principle of mechanical equivalence.

[0052] The skilled addressee is also to appreciate that apparatus 10 may be used in other applications, such as regulating fuel nozzles, where a size of a fuel nozzle is regulated for use in filling a fuel reservoir with fuel. For example, different types of fuels may comprise different sized fuel filler nozzles, e.g. petrol vs diesel, different octane ratings, etc. Apparatus 10 can be used to ensure a particular type of fuel is used to fill a fuel tank, for example, by accepting only a specific size fuel nozzle, or the like. Similarly, electrical connectors may be regulated in a similar manner, such as electric vehicle recharging connectors, or the like .

[0053] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for apparatus 10 able to regulate a specific size of beam accepted by, for example, a hydraulic puller or related tool, to provide an engineering solution to work personnel using incorrectly sized and rated pulling rods with hydraulic pullers, or the like.

[0054] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually orcollectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee .

[0055] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0056] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0057] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0058] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Beam regulator apparatus comprising : a collar defining a passage ; at least one regulating impediment arranged within said passage , the impediment configured to be deployable between a first position wherein the impediment obstructs passing a beam via said passage , and a second position wherein a beam is passable via said passage ; and at least one detector arranged at an entrance to said passage , the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to actuate the at least one regulating impediment into the second position; wherein passing only a beam of such predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile via said passage is regulatable .2 . Apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the collar comprises an annulus about said passage .3 . Apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein the collar defines the passage to have a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile according to a tensile strength rating of a beam .4 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the collar is configured for operative engagement with a hydraulic actuator for applying a force to a beam passed through the passage .5 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the regulating impediment comprises a detent swivelably arranged within the passage so that , in the first position, the detent lies acrossa portion of the passage and, in the second position, the detent is swivelled into the collar distal from the passage .6 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the detent comprises biasing means , such as a spring, arranged to bias the detent into the first position .7 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the detent comprises a U-shaped part having two substantial ly side-by- side legs and a transverse member, the U-shaped part pivoted within the collar proximate the transverse member so that one of the legs extends into the passage as regulating impediment, the other leg arranged within the collar for actuation by the detector .8 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the detent is angled within the passage in the first position to impede passing the beam via the passage in one direction only .9 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the detector comprises a link pivotably arranged within the collar proximate the detent and having a protrusion proj ecting into the passage in a predetermined manner according to the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam, and a finger extending towards the detent and configured to interlock therewith, said finger locking the detent in the first position until the protrusion is urged to pivot said finger to actuate the detent into the second position .10 . Apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the link comprises biasing means , such as a spring, to bias the protrusion into the passage .11 . Apparatus of either of claims 9 or 10 , wherein the finger of the link is configured to lie within the U- shaped part between the side-by-side legs to lock the detent in the first position .12 . Apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the link and / or detent defines cammed surfaces configured to facilitate interaction between said link and detent when the detector actuates the regulating impediment between the first and second positions .13 . Apparatus of any of claims 9 to 12 , wherein the protrusion of the detector comprises a bearing to facilitate passing of the beam as the protrusion is urged to pivot the finger .14 . Apparatus of any of claims 9 to 13 , wherein a di stance which the protrusion of the detector is arranged to proj ect into the passage determines the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam passable via the passage .15 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the regulating impediment and actuator are unitarily arranged within a removeable cartridge , the collar defining a slot therein for receiving said cartridge therein .16 . Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the detectors are spaced about and / or at opposite sides of the passage to determine the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam passable via the passage .17 . A hydraulic rod puller actuator comprising : a hydraulic cylinder arrangement configured to provide a linear force ; anda body including a collar defining a passage through which a beam is passable for trans ferring said provided force , the collar comprising : at least one regulating impediment arranged within said passage , the impediment configured to be deployable between a first position wherein the impediment obstructs passing a beam via said passage , and a second position wherein a beam is passable via said passage ; and at least one detector arranged at an entrance to said passage , the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to actuate the at least one regulating impediment into the second position; wherein passing only a beam of such predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile via said passage is regulatable .18 . A hydraulic rod puller comprising beam regulator apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1 to 16 .19 . A hydraulic actuator comprising : a hydraulic cylinder arrangement configured to provide a linear force ; a controllable hydraulic supply configured to actuate said hydraulic cylinder ; and a body including a collar defining a passage through which a beam is passable for trans ferring said provided force , the collar comprising at least one detector arranged at an entrance to said passage , the detector configured to detect a predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of a beam and, i f such beam is detected, to enable the hydraulic supply;wherein the hydraulic actuator is only operable i f such predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile is detected .20 . The hydraulic actuator of claim 19 , wherein the detector is selectable from a non-exhaust ive group consisting of a microswitch, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a contact sensor, a radio transceiver and an optical sensor .21 . The hydraulic actuator of claim 20 , wherein the detector is configured to enable the hydraulic supply by means of a suitable hydraulic and / or electrical lockout , e . g . a fail-safe switch, or the like .22 . The hydraulic actuator of any of claims 19 to 21 , wherein the passage includes at least one regulating impediment configured to be deployable between a first position wherein the impediment obstructs passing a beam via said passage , and a second position wherein a beam is passable via said passage , the at least one regulating impediment actuatable into the second position i f the detector detects the predetermined diameter and / or cross-sectional profile of the beam .

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