Patent Publication Number: US-11648727-B2

Title: PEX expanding tool

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/241,783, filed on Jan. 7, 2019, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” Patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,926,451, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/001,147, filed Jun. 6, 2018, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” Patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,195,783, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/000,958, filed on Jun. 9, 2018, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/832,615, filed on Dec. 5, 2017, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” Patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,961 on Jun. 12, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/178,786, filed on Jun. 10, 2016, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” Patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,000,007 on Jun. 19, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/133,029, filed on Apr. 19, 2016, Patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,862,137 on Jan. 9, 2018, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/173,730, filed on Jun. 10, 2015, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/150,148, filed on Apr. 20, 2015, and entitled “PEX Expanding Tool,” each of which is incorporated entirely herein by reference as if fully set forth in this description. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to pipe and tubing expansion tools and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) expansion tools that utilize a multi-segment expansion head, and an auto-rotation feature. Specifically, the presently described expanding tool comprises an auto-rotation feature that takes place prior to head expansion. 
     Polymer tubing is gaining popularity in residential home and commercial building construction due to the rising cost of copper pipe. One of the more common types of polymer tubing is made from cross-linked polyethylene, commonly known as PEX. Polymer tubing is connected to a joint by expanding the mouth of the tubing, thus allowing the tubing to slip over the joint. The tubing is then secured to the joint by crimping the expanded part of the tubing. A typical building will have many joints; hence installation of the tubing involves expanding the mouths of numerous tubes. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure describes implementations that relate to a PEX expanding tool. In In one embodiment, the disclosure describes a tool operable to expand an end of a pipe. Such a tool may comprise an actuator and an expander head operably coupled to the actuator the expander head comprising a plurality of expander head segments. When triggered, the actuator first rotates the expander head and then the actuator expands the expander head segments within the expander head. 
     In an example implementation, the present disclosure describes an expanding tool. The expanding tool includes: (i) an actuator comprising a cylindrical housing that defines an actuator housing cavity; (ii) a primary ram disposed within the actuator housing cavity, the primary ram defining an internal primary ram cavity; (iii) a secondary ram disposed within the internal primary ram cavity; (iv) a cam roller carrier coupled to a distal end of the secondary ram; (v) a drive collar positioned within a distal end of the actuator housing cavity; (vi) a roller clutch disposed within an internal cavity defined by an inner surface of the drive collar; (vii) a shuttle cam positioned between the roller clutch and a distal end of the primary ram; (viii) an expander cone coupled to the primary ram, and (ix) an expander head operably coupled to the drive collar. 
     The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of various component parts of an expanding tool; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross sectional view of the various components of the expanding tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a close up view of the motor, the gearcase, and the pump drive of the expanding tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a close-up view of the actuator of the expanding tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a close-up view of various components of the actuator illustrated in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a close-up view of the shuttle cam illustrated in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a close-up view of the shuttle cam illustrated in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a close-up view of the drive collar of the actuator illustrated in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  9    is another close-up view of the shuttle cam of the actuator illustrated in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the actuator illustrated in  FIG.  9    prior to expander head rotation; 
         FIG.  11    is another perspective view of the actuator illustrated in  FIG.  10    after expander head rotation and prior to expander head expansion; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the expander head of the expander tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  13    is another perspective view of the expander head illustrated in  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a perspective view of dump valve circuit components that may be used with an expanding tool, such as the expanding tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a schematic representaion of dump valve circuit components illustrated in  FIG.  14 A ; 
         FIG.  15    is a close up view of the primary dump valve of the dump valve circuit illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B ; 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of the primary dump valve of the expanding tool illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B ; 
         FIG.  17    is a cross-sectional view of the relief valve of the expanding tool illustrated in in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B ; 
         FIG.  18    is a close up view of an end of stroke detection components of the expanding tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates an exemplary method of operating the expander tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a perspective view of the expander tool illustrated in  FIG.  1    during a head rotation sequence; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a perspective view of the expander tool illustrated in  FIG.  20    during a head expansion sequence; 
         FIG.  22    illustrates a perspective view of the expander tool illustrated in  FIG.  21    during a retraction sequence; 
         FIG.  23    illustrates an exemplary expander tool housing arrangement for use with an expander tool, such as the expander tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  24    illustrates a proposed layout of the exemplary expander tool housing arrangement illustrated in  FIG.  23   ; 
         FIG.  25    illustrates an alternative actuator for use with an expanding tool, such as the expanding tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  26    illustrates the alternative actuator illustrated in  FIG.  25   ; and 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a shuttle cam that can be used with the alternative actuator illustrated in  FIGS.  25  and  26   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of various component parts of an expander tool  10 . As illustrated, the expander tool  10  comprises a work end  16  and a back end  20 . The work end  16  which may also be termed a distal end of the expander tool  10  preferably comprises an expander head  30  that is operably coupled to an actuator  70 . The expander head  30  comprising a plurality of expander head segments  40 AF. The actuator  70  comprises a generally cylindrical housing  74  that is operatively coupled to a cylinder body  200 . As will be described in greater detail herein, the actuator  70  comprises a number of working components that function together so as to first rotate and then expand the expander head segments  40 A-F within the expander head  30 . Mounted to a back end or a proximal end  20  of the cylinder body  200  is a fluid reservoir  230 . The fluid reservoir  230  holds the hydraulic fluid for operating the gearcase and pump drive. In one preferred arrangement, the fluid reservoir  230  comprises a flexible fluid reservoir. 
     In  FIG.  1   , a number of components are illustrated as being mounted to an outer surface  202  of the cylinder body  200 . For example, near a top portion  204  of the cylinder body  200 , a gear case  220 , a pump drive  212 , and pump drive  210  are directly coupled to the outer surface of the cylinder body  200 . The pump drive  212  operates the pump  210 . Operatively coupled to the gear case  220 , the pump drive  212 , and the pump  210  combination is a motor  194 . Also operatively coupled to a bottom portion  206  of the outer surface  202  of the cylinder body  200  is a pressure sensor  240 , a pilot valve solenoid  300 , and a position sensor  250 , the form and function of which will be described in greater detail herein. 
       FIG.  2    is a cross sectional view of the various components of the expanding tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Specifically,  FIG.  2    shows the expanding tool  10  (and its various component parts) in a home position, that is, the position that the expanding tool  10  remains in when it is not being operated. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a cross sectional view of the motor  194 , the gear case  220 , the pump  210 , the fluid reservoir  230 , the cylinder body  200 , the actuator  70 , and the expander head  30  of the expander tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . As can be seen from  FIG.  2   , the actuator  70  comprises a number of components that operate the expander head  30  under hydraulic control and operation of the pump  210 . Specifically, in this example arrangement, the cylinder body  200  is threadedly coupled to the actuator housing  74 . The cylinder body  200  defines a cylinder body cavity  208  and the actuator housing  74  defines an actuator housing cavity  76 . Together, the cylinder body cavity  208  and the actuator housing cavity  76  contain the various components that operate together so as to first rotate the expander head  30  a predetermined amount. Then, after the expander head  30  has been rotated a predetermined amount, these various component parts drive an expander cone  140  into the expander head  30  so as to expand the expander head segments  40 A-F of the expander head  30  radially outwardly. 
     The cylinder body cavity  208  and the actuator housing cavity  76  house a primary ram  80 , a primary ram return spring  88 , a secondary ram  100 , a cam roller carrier  120 , a primary ram hard-stop collar  92 , a shuttle cam  180 , a drive collar  160 , and a roller clutch  150 . The primary ram  80  comprises a distal end located near the expander head  30  and a proximal end located near the fluid reservoir  230 . At the proximal end of the primary ram  80 , a primary ram flange  86  is provided. In addition, the primary ram return spring  88  is provided along an external surface of the primary ram  80 , between the primary ram flange  86  and the proximal or back face of the primary ram hard-stop collar  92 . 
     As illustrated, with the expanding tool in the home position, the primary ram return spring  88  resides in a non-compressed state. The primary ram  80  further defines a primary ram cavity  84  and within this primary ram cavity  84  a secondary ram  100  is provided. Similar to the primary ram  80 , the secondary ram  100  comprises a distal end directed towards the expander head  30  and a proximal end generally directed towards the fluid reservoir  230 . At the proximal end of the secondary ram  100 , a secondary ram flange  114  is provided. A secondary ram return spring  110  is provided along an external surface of the secondary ram  100 , between the secondary ram flange  114  and an internal primary ram hard stop  94 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , with the expanding tool  10  residing in the home position, the secondary ram return spring  110  also resides in a non-compressed state. 
     Operatively coupled to the distal end of the secondary ram  100  is the cam roller carrier  120 . In one exemplary arrangement, a pin or screw  116  may operatively couple the secondary ram  100  to the cam roller carrier  120 . In this home position, the cam roller carrier  120  resides within the distal portion of the secondary ram  100  and also within a distal portion of the primary ram cavity  84 . A distal portion of the cam roller carrier  120  extends into a proximal end of the expander cone  140 . 
       FIG.  3    is a close up view of the motor  194 , the gear case  220 , the pump  210 , and the pump drive  212  of the expanding tool  10  illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the motor  194  is operatively coupled to a gear housing  224  and this gear housing  224  houses both a gearset  222  and the pump drive  210 . In one preferred arrangement, the motor  194  comprises a clamshell motor and the gearset  222  comprises a two-stage planetary gearset. In one example arrangement, the planetary gearset provides fora 10.6:1 reduction. 
       FIG.  4    is a close-up view of the cylinder body  200  and the actuator  70  of the expanding tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Preferably, the cylinder body  200  comprises an aluminum body comprising a roller-burnished inner cavity. A cap side  214  of the cylinder body  200  may be configured to operate as a fluid reservoir and may be in fluid communication with the rear fluid reservoir  230  by way of at least one longitudinal fluid passage  216 . 
     The secondary ram  100 , positioned within the primary ram cavity  84  is coupled to the cam roller carrier  120 . The cam roller carrier  120  is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises a cam roller  130  at a distal end  124  of the cam roller carrier  120 . This cam roller  130  is positioned within a slot  142  provided within the expander cone  140  as the cam roller carrier  120  moves distally and proximally within an expander cone cavity  144 . 
     The primary ram  80  further comprises a groove  96  along the outer surface of the primary ram, located near the proximal end of the primary ram  80 . In one preferred arrangement, a magnetic ring  98  is provided within this groove  96 . As will be discussed in greater detail herein, the magnetic ring  98  allows an end of stroke detection circuit component (e.g., a position sensor  250 ) of the expanding tool  10  to detect when the primary ram  80  reaches a fully retracted position as illustrated in  FIG.  4   . 
     In this illustrated arrangement, the secondary ram  100  further comprises a secondary ram hard stop  112  that is configured as a ridge and provided along an outer surface  108  of the secondary ram  100 . As will be described in greater detail herein, the secondary ram hard stop  112  is configured to bear against the internal primary ram hard stop  94  after the expander head  30  has been rotated but before expansion of the expander head  30  is initiated. 
     In this illustrated arrangement, two set screws  146 A, B may be used to affix the expander cone  140  to the distal end of the primary ram  80 . 
       FIG.  5    is a close-up view of various components of the actuator illustrated in  FIG.  4   . Specifically,  FIG.  5    is a close-up view of the various components of the actuator  70  that act together so as to first rotate and then expand the expander head  30 . Specifically,  FIG.  5    is a close up view of the drive collar  160 , the roller clutch  150 , the shuttle cam  180 , and the distal end of the primary ram  80 . 
     For example,  FIG.  5    illustrates the drive collar  160  as being positioned within a distal end  78  of the actuator housing  74 . As illustrated, the distal end  78  of the actuator housing  74  may be provided with an external thread  79  for threadedly engaging a cap  24  (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) so as to affix the expander head  30  to the actuator  70 . For example, reference is made  FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrating the cap  24  in threaded engagement with the distal end  78  of the actuator housing  74  so as to affix the expander head  30  to the expanding tool  10 . 
     The drive collar  160  comprises a first engaging face  164  directed in a distal direction, i.e., towards the expanding head  30 . This first engaging face comprising a plurality of lugs  168  A,B,C,D that are geometrically configured to match slots provided in the expander head segments  40  A,B,C,D,E making up the expander head  30 . As such, when the drive collar  160  is rotated prior to expansion of the expander head  30 , the plurality of lugs  168 A-D transmit torque to the expander head  30 , thereby rotating the expander head  30 . In one preferred arrangement, the plurality of lugs  168 A-D comprise a trapezoidal geometrical configuration. 
     Seated or pressed within an internal cavity  174  defined within an inner surface  172  of the drive collar  160  is the roller clutch  150 . The roller clutch  150  allows drive collar  160  to freewheel on shuttle cam  180  when the primary ram  80  is extended in the distal direction. In addition, the roller clutch  150  also transmits torque during retraction of the primary ram  80  in the proximal direction, back towards the home position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , a groove  170  may be provided along an outer surface  162  of the drive collar  160 . Preferably, an o-ring  166  may be provided in this groove  170  so as to generate enough friction so as to prevent the drive collar  160  from freewheeling on the roller clutch  150 . In one preferred arrangement, this o-ring  166  comprises a nitrile butadiene rubber o-ring. 
     The shuttle cam  180  is positioned between the roller clutch  150  and the distal end of the primary ram  80  and seated along a distal or front face  93  of the primary ram hard-stop collar  92 . Specifically, the shuttle cam  180  rotates around the primary ram  80 . A follower bearing that is attached to the primary ram  80  drives the shuttle cam  180 . Extension of the primary ram  80  in the distal direction “resets” the shuttle cam  180  while retraction of the primary ram  80  in the proximal direction “drives” the shuttle cam  180 . In one preferred arrangement, the shuttle cam  180  provides for an approximately 18 degree rotation of the expander head  30  for each stroke of the primary ram  80 . However, as those of ordinary skill will recognize, alternative predetermined rotational configurations may also be used. 
     Positioned within an internal cavity  184  defined by the shuttle cam  180  is the primary ram  80 . As noted, the primary ram cavity  84  ends near a distal portion of the primary ram  80  and has a greater diameter at that end than the remainder of the primary ram cavity. At this larger diameter cavity, an internal thread  90  is provided. This internal thread  90  may be utilized to securely affix the expander cone  140  to the primary ram  80 . 
       FIG.  6    is a close-up view of the drive collar  160  illustrated in  FIG.  5   . And  FIG.  7    is a close-up view of the shuttle cam  180  illustrated in  FIG.  5   . Specifically,  FIG.  7    illustrates a follower bearing  82  of the primary ram  80  pulling through the shuttle cam  180  to rotate the expander head  30  during primary ram retraction. 
     As noted from  FIGS.  6  and  7   , when the primary ram  80  is transmitted in the distal direction represented by arrow  134 , the shuttle cam  180  and hence the drive collar  160  rotate in the clockwise direction as illustrated by arrow  136 . Similarly, when the primary ram  80  is retracted in the proximal direction represented by arrow  138 , the shuttle cam  180  but not the drive collar  160  will be rotated in the counter clockwise direction represented by arrow  139 . 
       FIG.  8    is a close-up view of the drive collar  160  of the actuator  70  illustrated in  FIG.  4    and  FIG.  9    is another close-up view of the shuttle cam  180  of the actuator  70  illustrated in  FIG.  7   . As illustrated, the cam or slanted or non-axial groove  182  on the shuttle cam  180  is flipped to rotate on primary ram  80  advance where the bearing is replaced with a cam roller  130  that is driven by the secondary ram  100 . As noted in  FIG.  9   , the expander cone  140  is keyed to the primary ram  80  by way of the cam roller  130  and preferably via two setscrews  146 A, B (see,  FIG.  4   ). 
       FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the actuator  70  illustrated in  FIG.  9    prior to rotation of expander head  30 . As illustrated by arrow  156 , the secondary ram  100  begins to move in the distal direction until the secondary ram hard stop  112  engages the primary ram internal hard stop  94 . As the secondary ram  100  proceeds in the distal direction, the drive collar  160  (and hence the expander head  30  (not shown)) are rotated in the counterclockwise direction as noted by arrow  154 . Once the secondary ram hard stop  112  engages the primary ram internal hard stop  94 , expander head  30  rotation is complete and expansion of the expander head segments  40 A-F making up the expander head  30  is initiated. This is illustrated in  FIG.  11   . For example,  FIG.  11    is a perspective view of the actuator  70  illustrated in  FIG.  10    after expander head  30  rotation and prior to expander head  30  expansion. As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the secondary ram hard stop  112  of the secondary ram  100  has engaged the primary ram internal hard stop  94 , and now, both the primary ram  80  and the secondary ram  100  will be driven in the distal direction. In this position, the secondary ram return spring  110  resides in a compressed state. Together, the primary ram  80  and the secondary ram  100  drive the expander cone  140  towards the expander head  30  so as to radially expand the expander head  30  once rotation is complete. 
       FIG.  25    illustrates an alternative actuator  770  for use with an expanding tool, such as the expanding tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . In this alternative actuator  770 , an alternative shuttle cam  780  is used to rotate the expanding head segments prior to head expansion. 
     The actuator  770  operates slightly differently than the actuator  70  previously illustrated and discussed. For example, in this alternative actuator arrangement  770 , the shuttle cam  780  moves proximally and distally along with the primary ram  80 . For example, in this arrangement, the shuttle cam  780  is held in place on the ram  80  by way of a snap ring  790 . Clearance between the shuttle cam  780  and the ram  80  allows the shuttle cam  780  to rotate with respect to the primary ram  80 . Another difference is that this alternative actuator  770  utilizes the shuttle cam  180  that does not comprise a flange near a proximal end of the shuttle cam (see, e.g.,  FIG.  7    which illustrates the flange along a proximal end of the shuttle cam  180 ). 
       FIG.  25    illustrates the drive collar  760  outside of a distal end of the actuator housing after drive collar  760  and shuttle cam  780  rotation has occurred. Similar to the drive collar  160  discussed herein, the drive collar  760  illustrated in  FIG.  25    comprises a first engaging face directed in a distal direction, i.e., towards the expanding head. This first engaging face comprising a plurality of lugs  768  A,B,C,D that are geometrically configured to match slots provided in the expander head segments making up the expander head as previously discussed. As such, when the drive collar  760  is rotated prior to expansion of the expander head, the plurality of lugs  768 A-D transmit torque to the expander head, thereby rotating the expander head as well. In one preferred arrangement, the plurality of lugs  768 A-D comprise a trapezoidal geometrical configuration. 
     Similar to the actuator  70  illustrated and discussed herein, seated or pressed within an internal cavity defined within an inner surface of the drive collar  760  is a roller clutch (see, e.g.,  FIG.  5    illustrates roller clutch  150 ). The roller clutch transmits torque during retraction of the primary ram  80  in the proximal direction, back towards a home position. 
     Initially, the shuttle cam  780  is seated within a home positioned, situated between the roller clutch and the distal end of the primary ram  80 . In this home position, the shuttle cam  780  is seated along a front face of the primary ram hard stop as described herein. Prior to head expansion, the shuttle cam  780  rotates around the primary ram  80 . A follower bearing  782  that is attached to the primary ram  80  drives the shuttle cam  780 . Initially, after rotation and as the primary ram  80  is transmitted in the distal direction, the shuttle cam  780 , and hence the drive collar  760 , rotate. Depending on the orientation of the cam or groove  786  provided by the shuttle cam  780 , this rotation may either be in counter clock wise or clockwise direction. In the arrangement illustrated in  FIG.  25   , the orientation of the cam  786  provided by the shuttle cam  780  will produce a clockwise rotation. Alternative cam or groove arrangements on the shuttle cam may also be used. For example,  FIG.  27    illustrates an alternative shuttle cam  781  comprising an alternative cam or groove  783  arrangement. In this alternative cam arrangement, the orientation of the cam  783  provided by the shuttle cam  781  will produce a counter-clockwise orientation prior to head expansion. 
       FIG.  26    illustrates the actuator  770  after head expansion and with the follower bearing  782  retracted to an end position along the cam  786  of the shuttle cam  780 . For ease of illustration, the follower bearing  782  and shuttle cam  780  are illustrated outside of the drive collar  760 . Specifically, after head expansion, when the primary ram  80  is retracted in the proximal direction, the shuttle cam  780  (but not the drive collar  760 ) will be rotated in the clockwise direction represented by arrow  792 . In this manner, the shuttle cam  780  is returned to its original or home position. 
     Operation of actuator  770  is generally similar to the operation of the actuator  70  illustrated and discussed herein. For example, prior to rotation of an expander head mounted on the expander cone  140 , the secondary ram begins to move in the distal direction until the secondary ram hard stop engages the primary ram internal hard stop. As the secondary ram proceeds in the distal direction, the expander cone  140  (and hence the expander head  30  (not shown in  FIGS.  25  and  26   ) are rotated in the counterclockwise direction as noted by arrow  754  as noted in  FIG.  25   . Once the secondary ram hard stop engages the primary ram internal hard stop, expander head rotation is complete and expansion of the expander head segments making up the expander head is initiated. 
     Once a full expansion of the expander head has occurred, the primary ram  80  is retracted back in the proximal direction, to an original home position within the drive collar  760 . As the shuttle cam  780  begins to approach its home position within the drive collar  760 , the follower bearing  782  acts on the cam  786  defined by the shuttle cam  780  to turn the shuttle cam back in the clockwise direction as noted be arrow  792 . Again, if an alternative cam or groove arrangement is utilized, this rotation may by a counter clockwise rotation. 
       FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the expander head  30  for use with an expander tool, such as the expander tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . In this illustrated position, the expander head segments  40  A-F making up the expander head  30  reside in a closed position.  FIG.  13    is another perspective view of the expander head  30  illustrated in  FIG.  12   . In  FIG.  13   , the expander head segments  40  A-F making up the expander head  30  reside in a partially expanded state. 
     As can be seen from  FIG.  12   , the expander head  30  comprises a plurality of expander head segments  40 A-F. In this illustrated arrangement, the expander head comprises six expander head segments. However, alternative configurations may also be used. 
     The expanding tool  10  is configured so that it rotates a predetermined amount prior to each expansion, the predetermined amount being the amount of rotation needed to move the expanding head segments  40 A-F from a tube mouth portion that is stretched to a tube mouth portion that is unstretched. More specifically, the rotation of the expanding head segments  40 A-F is at least partially determined by the number of expanding head segments within the expander head  30 . The number of expanding head segments is selected to allow for multiple rotations without repeating the position of the expander head  30 . As just one example, in one expander tool arrangement, six expanding head segments  40 A-F are employed with each expanding head segment covering an arc length of 60 degrees. In one preferred expanding tool arrangement, the expanding tool  10  is configured to rotate the expanding head segments  40 A-F 18 degrees with each rotation such that 20 rotations are required before an original expander head  30  position is repeated. 
     As can be seen from  FIG.  12   , each expander head segment  40 A-F making up the expander head  30  comprises a bottom surface wherein this bottom surface comprises a plurality of grooves  32 . In a preferred arrangement, these grooves  32  comprise a plurality of trapezoidal grooves that are geometrically configured to match the plurality of lugs  168  provided on the drive collar engaging face  164  of the drive collar  160  (see,  FIGS.  5  and  6   ). As such, when the drive collar  160  is activated in the clockwise direction during ram extension, the expander head  30  while engaged to the drive collar  160  is also rotated a predetermined amount prior to expander head  30  expansion. These trapezoidal grooves  32  also help guide movement of the expander head segments  40 A-F in the radial direction for an even expansion during head expansion. 
     As may be seen from  FIG.  13   , each of the six head segments  40 A-F comprises an outer surface. As just one example, expander head segment  40 A comprises an outer surface  42 . As illustrated, an outer surface  42 A of the head segment  40 A comprises a number of features. For example, the outer surface  42 A of the expander head segment  40 A comprises plurality of ribs  44 A provided near a distal end  50 A of the expander head segment  40 A. In addition, this outer surface  42 A of the expander head segment  40 A further comprise a first distal groove  46 A and a second proximal groove  48 A. In a preferred arrangement, each of the remaining expander head elements  40 B-F of expander head  30  comprise similar rib and groove arrangements. The ribs  44 A are formed near a frustoconical end of the expander head segments  40 A-F and provide a higher frictional force during pipe expansion. The first and second groove arrangements  46 A and  48 A may be used with o-rings for enabling segment return after head expansion. (see, first groove arrangement  46  and second groove arrangement  48  in  FIG.  1   ). In other arrangements, a garter spring may also be used for enabling expander head segment return after the expander head has been expanded. In a preferred arrangement, each of the remaining expander head elements  40 B-F of expander head  30  comprises similar first and second groove arrangements. 
       FIG.  14 A  is a perspective view of a pump and valve system that may be used with an expanding tool, such as the expanding tool illustrated in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated, this pump and valve system comprises a solenoid  300 , a pilot valve  340 , a relief valve  350 , the pump  210 , and the primary valve  390 .  FIG.  14 B  is a schematic view of the pump and valve system illustrated in  FIG.  14 A  with like elements designated with like reference numbers. 
     In addition,  FIG.  15    illustrates a perspective view of the primary valve  390  illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  and  FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of the primary valve  390  of the expanding tool illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B . As noted in  FIG.  15   , the primary valve  390  comprises a port or path configuration for controlling fluid flow from and back into the fluid reservoir  230 . Specifically, the primary valve  390  comprises a port or path  392  to the fluid reservoir  230 , a port or path  394  to the cylindrical cap, another port or path  396  to the cylinder, and a port or path  398  to the pump  210 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  14 A-B ,  15  and  16 , during an expansion sequence, as the primary ram  80  and the secondary ram  100  continue to extend in a distal direction, pressure will build inside the actuator  70 . During the expansion sequence, as the primary ram  80  reaches the primary ram hard-stop collar  92 , the pressure within the cylinder body  200  reaches a predetermined transducer setpoint. The pressure sensor  240  will monitor the pressure within the cylinder body  200 . Once the predetermined transducer setpoint is reached, the motor  194  will be deactivated. When this setpoint is reached, the valve solenoid  300  is pulsed and this will open the pilot dump valve  340  to the fluid reservoir  230 . Opening up the pilot dump valve  340  also reduces the pressure on the primary valve  390 , thereby causing the primary valve  390  to shift states. As fluid from the cylinder body  200  flows through the pilot dump valve  340  back into the fluid reservoir  230 , this will reduce the pressure within the cylinder body  200  and as this internal pressure drops, this will allow the primary ram return spring  88  to force the primary dump valve  390  to close. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a close up view of the relief valve  350  illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A  and B. As illustrated in  FIG.  17   , the relief valve  350  comprises an o-ring  352 , an adjuster plug  354 , a relief valve spring  356 , a poppet  358 , and a ball  360 . In one preferred arrangement, the relieve valve  350  is configured to allow fluid flow from the actuator  70  back into the fluid reservoir  230  in the event that a pressure within the actuator  70  exceeds the predetermined setpoint. 
       FIG.  18    is a close up view of end of stroke detection components of the expander tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated, end of stroke detection components comprise a pressure sensor  240 . Pressure sensor  240  detects full ram extension based upon a pressure within the cylinder body  200 . For example, in one arrangement, pressure sensor  240  will detect full ram extension once a predetermined pressure setpoint is achieved. In one exemplary arrangement, such a full ram extension pressure setpoint might be on the order of about 7,000 to about 8,000 pounds per square inch (psi). In one preferred arrangement, once this pressure setpoint is detected by the pressure sensor  240 , the motor and pump are deactivated. Retraction of both the primary ram  80  and the secondary ram  100  in the proximal direction is initiated. The pressure sensor  240  may be provided with a pressure connector  246  coupled to the sensor by way of a plurality of wires  244  for connecting to a printed circuit board provided within the expander tool  10 . 
     A second end of stroke detection component comprises a position sensor  250 . In one preferred arrangement, such position sensor  250  may take the form of a Hall Effect sensor. Such a position sensor  250  may be configured to detect a full ram return to the initial position, such as the home positions of the primary ram  80  and the secondary ram  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . This position sensor  250  enables the motor and pump activation for the next expansion stroke. In one preferred arrangement, the position sensor  250  may be configured to detect the magnetic ring  98  provided within the outer surface groove  96  of the primary ram  80  (see,  FIG.  4   ). 
       FIG.  19    illustrates an exemplary method of operating an expander tool, such as the expander tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . At step  410 , and now also referring to  FIG.  20   , a user input from a trigger starts the motor  194  (see, e.g., trigger  620  illustrated in  FIG.  23   ). In a preferred method, the motor  194  is electronically locked on if the trigger is held for a predetermined period of time. For example, such a predetermined period of time may be greater than one second. One advantage of such a trigger lock on feature is that a user does not have to hold the trigger for the duration of the stroke. One advantage of such a trigger lock is that it prevents user fatigue and also allows the user of the expanding tool to support the tool or work piece as needed. In addition, in one arrangement, the trigger lock could also provide a user interrupt of advance stroke with an additional trigger pull when the trigger lock is enabled. This would allow the user to abort an expansion if needed. 
     At step  420 , a pressure differential is created across the primary dump valve  390  and this pressure differential shifts the primary dump valve shuttle to a closed position. At step  430 , fluid is drawn from the rear fluid reservoir  230  and into a pump chamber and then pumped to the actuator  70 . At step  440 , the secondary ram  100  begins to extend in the distal direction as fluid is pumped into the actuator  70 . As such, the secondary ram  100  begins to compress the secondary ram return spring  110 . At step  450 , as the secondary ram  100  begins to extend in the distal direction, the secondary ram  100  also drives the cam roller carrier  120  in the distal direction, towards the expanding head  30 . As such, the cam roller  130  is pushed in the distal direction through the cam or groove  182  provided on the shuttle cam  180 . At step  460 , the shuttle cam  180  rotates in clutch locked direction and transmits torque to the drive collar  160 . At step  470 , this torque is transmitted to the expander head segments  40 A-F making up the head  30 . 
     At step  480 , the secondary ram hard stop  112  of the secondary ram  100  engages the internal primary ram hard stop  94  of the primary ram  80 . For example,  FIG.  21    illustrates a perspective view of the expander tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  20    during a head expansion sequence. At step  490 , the primary ram  80  continues to extend in a distal direction as pressure continued to build inside the actuator  70 . At step  500 , the expander cone  140  pushes distally into the expander head  30  and against the expander head segments  40 A-F. At step  510 , the expander head segments  40 A-F shift radially outward to expand the expander head out diameter. At step  520 , a PEX pipe inner diameter is stretched open. 
     At step  530 , and now referring to  FIG.  22    which illustrates a perspective view of the expander tool  10  during an expansion sequence, the primary ram  80  reaches the primary ram hard-stop collar  92 , and the pressure within the cylinder body  200  reaches a predetermined transducer setpoint. At step  540 , once the predetermined transducer setpoint is reached, the motor  194  is deactivated. As such, motor and user input (i.e., trigger) may be disabled until a full retract of both the primary ram  80  and the secondary ram  100  is sensed, preferably by way of the position sensor  250 . One advantage of such a full return sensing feature is that a user is not able to initiate another expansion stroke until the expanding tool is fully retracted. This prevents the user from overriding the auto-rotate feature. 
     At step  550 , the valve solenoid  300  is pulsed to open the pilot dump valve  340  to the fluid reservoir  230 . At step  560 , internal pressure drops and therefore allows the return spring to force the primary dump valve  390  to open. At step  570 , both the primary ram  80  under a force created by a compressed primary ram return spring  88  and the secondary ram  100  under a force created by a compressed secondary ram return spring  110  begin to retract. Both primary ram  80  and secondary ram  100  move in the proximal direction, back to a home position of the expansion tool  10 , as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     At step  580 , the expander cone  140  is withdrawn from the expander head  30 , and the expander head segments  40 A-F begin to collapse to a closed position. In one arrangement, collapsing of the expander head segments  40 A-F may be aided by way of one or more o-rings provided in the first and/or second grooves  46 ,  48  provided in the expander head  30  as previously described herein. 
     At step  590 , as the primary ram  80  approaches a fully retracted position (see,  FIG.  1   ), the cam roller  130  pulls through the cam or groove  182  provided on the shuttle cam  180 . As such, the shuttle cam  180  rotates in clutch freewheel direction so as to reset the actuator  70  for a subsequent expansion. 
     At step  592 , when the primary ram  80  reaches its fully retracted position or home position, the position sensor  250  detects the magnetic ring  98  provided in the proximal groove  96  of the primary ram  80 . At step  594 , with the primary ram  80  back in its home position (see,  FIG.  1   ), the motor  194  and user input is re-enabled for a subsequent expansion stroke. As such, when activated, the expanding tool  10  is either advancing or retracting and a user is not able to hold the expanding tool  10  in any single expanded position. One advantage of such a scenario is that a user is prevented from holding the pipe in an expanded position. 
       FIG.  23    illustrates an exemplary expander tool housing arrangement  600  for use with an expander tool, such as the expander tool  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . In particular,  FIG.  23    depicts a tool  600  that is operable to expand an end of a pipe and that has an advantageous arrangement of the tool handle with respect to the working end of the tool.  FIG.  24    illustrates a proposed layout of the exemplary expander tool housing arrangement illustrated in  FIG.  23   . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  23  and  24   , tool  600  includes a working end  608  disposed at a distal end  610 . This working end  608  includes an expander head comprising a plurality of expander head segments  612  as herein described. As previously described, these expander head segments  612  are movable between a closed position (as illustrated) and an expanded position. These are also rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the tool  600 . The expander head segments  612  may operate in the same or similar fashion as the segments  40 A-F described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 22   . In general, the expander head segments  612  may be operable to expand an end of a pipe into which the segments are inserted. Further, in an example embodiment, the tool  600  may be a very large diameter (VLD) expander. Still further, in an example embodiment, the tool  600  may be a hydraulic expanding tool. In particular, the expanding tool  600  may use hydraulics in order to facilitate operation of the tool and expansion of the end of pipes. As mentioned above, tool  600  may be used for expanding an end of PEX pipe. However, tool  600  may also be useful for other applications as well. 
     In practice, expanding tools may require a large amount of energy to create an amount of inverse torque that will successfully expand a pipe such as a PEX pipe. Different sized pipes and pipes of different materials may require expanding tools that create different amounts of inverse torque. In an example, tool  600  is a ten (10) ton compression tool with a one (1) inch jaw opening. Other examples are possible as well. For instance, tool  600  may accommodate a number of tons higher or lower that ten (10), and the jaw opening may also be greater than or less than one (1) inch. 
     The tool  600  further includes a main body  614  connected to the working end  608 . The main body  614  may house tool components, such as internal tool components for facilitating operation of the jaws and hydraulic components. In one preferred arrangement, the main body includes the expanding tool  10  illustrated and described herein. 
     Further, the main body  614  includes a handle  616  disposed at a proximal end  518  along the vertical axis of the tool  600 . As depicted, the handle  616  is configured to be gripped in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool. The tool  600  further includes a trigger  620  disposed on the handle  616 , and the trigger  620  is configured to be activated by trigger movement along the vertical axis of the tool  600 . The user may activate the trigger  620  in order to initiate and/or control operation of the working end  608 . In an example, the trigger movement along the vertical axis comprises movement in a proximal direction along the vertical axis. For instance, a user may activate the trigger  620  by pulling the user&#39;s trigger finger proximally or down in the vertical direction along the vertical axis of the tool  600 . In another example, trigger movement may include movement in a different direction, such as in a longitudinal direction. For instance, the trigger may be configured to be moved in a distal longitudinal direction. Other example trigger movements are possible as well. 
     The tool  600  further includes a hook ring  622  disposed at a distal end  624  along the vertical axis of the tool  600 . The hook ring  622  may be used for attachment of a carabiner, a lanyard, a sling or some other similar device. 
     The tool further forms a substantially flat surface  630 . One advantage of such a flat surface  630  is that it enables bench-top user of the expanding tool. Another advantage of such a surface  630  is that it allows for second hand placement for vertical riser applications. 
     In the example depicted in  FIG.  23   , the trigger  620  is located on a longitudinal proximal side  617  of the handle. However, in other examples, the trigger  620  may be located in other positions at or near the handle  616 , such as the longitudinal distal side of the handle  616 . Further, the handle  616  is positioned proximal to the working end  608  along the longitudinal axis  604 . This proximal placement allows for the working end  608  to be fully inserted into a pipe without the handle  616  causing an obstruction. 
     In an example embodiment, tool  600  may include one or more additional supports (e.g., handle(s)) that provide the user additional ways to support the tool. Providing additional support may be helpful to the user during operation or transport of the tool  600 . For instance, tool  600  includes a side-handle attachment portion  650  into which the side handle  656  can be inserted.  FIG.  23    depicts side handle  656  inserted into the side handle attachment  650 . Other additional supports are possible as well. 
     The tool  600  further comprises a work light  660  and a lock off switch  670 . 
     In an example embodiment, tool  600  may be operated by a single hand of user. By being configured to be operated by a single hand of the user, the user may use his or her free hand in order to position and/or stabilize a pipe that is being expanded. 
     Beneficially, a tool in accordance with the present disclosure offers example advantages over existing tools for expanding the end of a pipe or tube. For instance, through the unique disclosed orientation of the handle, the tool  600  offers a user the ability to conveniently operate the tool in a plurality of orientations and in compact spaces. As mentioned above, a technician may use tool  600  for repair of pipes and/or installation of pipes, and this repair or installation work may require the technician to work in tight spaces as well as to use the tool in different locations. As particular examples, a technician may need to use the tool to install or repair a pipe positioned on the floor, on a sidewall, or overhead. Further, these pipes may be arranged in a plurality of different orientations. For instance, the pipe end to be expanded may be facing vertically downwards, vertically upwards, longitudinally to the left, longitudinally to the right, or at many other angles. 
     It may be difficult or not possible to use existing expanding tools in such a plurality of orientations. However, since tool  600  is configured to allow the user to operate the tool  600  in a number of different and useful orientations, a user may use the tool in a variety of situations and places in which operating existing tools would be difficult or not possible. For example, the handle orientation in accordance with the disclosure beneficially allows the user to more easily use—compared to existing expanding tools—the tool in an overhead position. Additionally, the orientation of the handle may allow a user to more easily support an expanding tool in the overhead position. A tool such as a ten ton tool may be heavy and thus difficult to not only position the tool but also hold and support the tool in place during operation. Tool  600  beneficially allows a user to utilize the tool  600  in an overhead orientation without bending or substantially bending the user&#39;s wrist. This may allow the user to more comfortably support the tool for overhead installation or repair work. 
     Exemplary embodiments have been described above. Those skilled in the art will understand, however, that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other advantageous embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.