Patent Number: 050698621
Section: claims

1. Apparatus for handling a machine for the simultaneous tensioning of a plurality vertically disposed screwed connecting elements (3) for fastening a cover (1) of a pressurized vessel (2), said apparatus comprising a tensioning module (20) for said connecting elements (3), means (10, 11, 12) for moving said tensioning module (20) in a horizontal plane, and means (15, 22, 24) for moving said tensioning module (20) along a vertical axis of said connecting elements (3), wherein said means for moving said tensioning module (20) in a horizontal plane comprise assembled modular elements forming a rolling track (10) on which travels a train (12) supporting said tensioning module. 2. Handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said train (2) comprises a driving carriage (12a) and a driven carriage (12b), said driving and driven carriages each being equipped with a set of guide wheels (13, 14) and being connected to one another by means of a strut (12c). 3. Handling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said strut (12c) is semicircular. 4. Handling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said means for moving said tensioning module along said vertical axis consist of a vertical endless screw (15a, 15b) rotatably mounted on each of said driving carriage (12a) and driven carriage (12a, 12b) and a nut (24a, 24b) screwed onto each of said endless screws (15a, 15b), each of said carriages being connected to said tensioning module by means of a bracket (22a, 22b). 5. Handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each said endless screw (15a, 15b) is driven in rotation by means of a single motor (27) mounted on said strut (12c) half-way between said driving and driven carriages (12a, 12b) and connected to each of said endless screws (15a, 15b) by means of a control linkage (28). 6. Handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each said bracket (22a, 22b) has a first end fixed to said tensioning module (20) and a second end containing an eye (23a, 23b) centered on a corresponding nut (24a, 24b) and bearing on said corresponding nut by means of a thrust ball-bearing (25). 7. Handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each said nut (24a, 24b) has an appendage (26a, 26b) with an orifice through which passes a vertical anti-rotation rod (16a, 16b) arranged on each carriage (12a, 12b) parallel to said endless screws (15a, 15b). 8. Handling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said endless screws (15a, 15b) are arranged in a plane of a center of gravity of said tensioning module (20).