Patent Publication Number: US-11389916-B1

Title: Systems and methods for assembling or disassembling a hammer tool

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for assembling and/or disassembling a hammer tool. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems (including kits) and methods for tensioning and/or loosening tension for one or more tie rods of a hammer tool. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hammer tie rods are relatively large fasteners that provide clamp loads to a hammer body. Hammer tie rods typically require high torque values to achieve a desired clamping load. In some cases, the torque value can reach 20,000 foot-pounds (e.g., between 15,000-20,000 foot-pounds). 
     However, such high torque values may be difficult to achieve during assembly of the hammer body. Moreover, such high torque values may damage the threading of a nut or collar that may fasten an end of the tie rod to the hammer body, which can change the amount of clamp load achieved by the nut or collar. 
     U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0000375 (“the &#39;375 patent publication”) describes a multi jackbolt tensioner that includes a jackbolt body having a plurality of holes with threads to receive jackbolts having torque receiving surfaces all disposed about the periphery of each jackbolt in a mutually non-parallel relation to prevent the unauthorized application of torque or stress. According to the &#39;375 patent publication, the holes comprise a first length of sidewall with thread and a second length of sidewall comprises a counterbore. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a method is disclosed or can be implemented. The method can comprise: applying, using a nut assembly including a first nut and a plurality of bolts provided in respective threaded holes of the first nut, a first tensioning force for a stud of a hammer assembly; and applying, using the nut assembly, a second tensioning force for the stud of the hammer assembly. The first tensioning force can be applied with the first nut in a first orientation whereby a first end surface of the first nut faces a first direction and a second end surface of the first nut faces a second direction opposite the first direction. The second tensioning force can be applied with the first nut in a second orientation whereby the first end surface of the first nut faces the second direction and the second end surface of the first nut faces the first direction. The second tensioning force can be greater than the first tensioning force. 
     In another aspect, a kit for a hammer assembly is disclosed or can be provided. The kit can comprise: a nut assembly including a first nut and a plurality of fasteners to be provided within respective threaded holes of the first nut, the first nut being threadedly connectable individually to a first threaded portion at a first end portion of each of a plurality of tie rods; and a plurality of second nuts threadedly connectable to a second threaded portion at the first end portion of respective ones of the tie rods. The first nut can have a first end surface and a second end surface opposite the first end surface. The second end surface of the first nut can include a plurality of counterbores circumscribing, in a top plan view, respective ones of the threaded holes, and the first end surface of the first nut is free of counterbores. The nut assembly can stretch each of the tie rods individually by a first amount when the first nut is threadedly coupled to the tie rod such that the second end surface faces the second nut and the fasteners are tightened such that heads thereof abut the first end surface of the first nut and free ends thereof push against an upper surface of a body of the hammer assembly. The nut assembly can stretch each of the tie rods individually by a second amount greater than the first amount when the first nut is threadedly coupled to the tie rod such that the first end surface of the first nut faces the second nut and the fasteners are tightened such that the heads thereof extend into the counterbores and the free ends thereof push against the upper surface of the body of the hammer assembly. 
     In another aspect, a method is disclosed or can be implemented. The method can comprise: with a second collar threadedly connected to a second threaded portion of a tie rod of a hammer assembly, and with a collar assembly, which includes a first collar and a plurality of bolts provided in respective threaded holes of the first collar, threadedly connected to a first threaded portion of the tie rod such that a second end surface of the first collar faces the second collar, removing the collar assembly from the tie rod, wherein after said removing the collar assembly from the tie rod the second collar provides a first clamping force for the tie rod; with the second collar threadedly connected to the second threaded portion of the tie rod and providing the first clamping force for the tie rod, threading the first collar onto the first threaded portion of the tie rod such that a first end surface of the first collar opposite the second end surface faces the second collar and such that the collar assembly directly contacts an upper surface of a body of the hammer assembly; and tightening the bolts of the collar assembly against the upper surface of the body of the hammer assembly to apply a second clamping force for the tie rod, the second clamping force being greater than the first clamping force. The second end surface of the first collar can include a plurality of counterbores radially surrounding respective ones of the threaded holes, and the first end surface of the first collar is without any counterbores. The counterbores can be sized to accommodate portions of heads of respective ones of the bolts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an excavating machine having a hammer assembly that may implement systems and methods according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the hammer assembly of  FIG. 1 , which can implement systems and methods according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 3  is a transparent perspective view of a hammer assembly and a collar assembly according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the hammer assembly and the collar assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is another partial perspective view of the hammer assembly and the collar assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a partial sectional view of the hammer assembly and the collar assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a transparent perspective view of a first side of a collar of a collar assembly according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 8  is a transparent perspective view of a second side of the collar of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  respectively illustrate tightening and loosening of the collar assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart of a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart of another method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hammers, such as hydraulic hammers, are generally employed on worksites to demolish and break up hard objects, including rocks, concrete, asphalt, and frozen ground. The hammers may be mounted to machines, such as excavators and backhoes, for example. The hammers may alternatively be powered by pneumatic pressure sources, rather than only hydraulic sources. In either event, a high-pressure fluid may be utilized within the hammer to cyclically drive a piston to strike a work tool, which, in turn, may carry an impulse wave to the object of demolition for breaking that object into smaller pieces, for instance, for easier removal from a worksite. 
     As noted above, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter relate to systems and methods for assembling and/or disassembling a hammer tool. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for tensioning and/or loosening tension for one or more tie rods for a hammer tool. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an excavating machine  10  used to dig and remove rock and soil from a construction worksite is shown. The excavating machine  10  may incorporate a cab body  12  containing, for instance, an operator station and operating controls. The excavating machine  10  may be supported by, and may move on, tracks  14 . An extensible boom  20  may be movably anchored to the cab body  12 , and an articulating stick  22 , which may be referred to as a lift arm, may be secured to and supported for movement on the extensible boom  20 . 
     The excavating machine  10  may incorporate a tool in the form of a hammer assembly  30 , as depicted, for instance, at an operational end  28  of the articulating stick  22 . The hammer assembly  30  can be a fluid-powered hammer, for instance, hydraulic-powered or pneumatic-powered. Thus, the hammer assembly  30  can be a hydraulic hammer or a pneumatic hammer assembly. Cylinder actuators  26  may be utilized to move the articulating stick  22  relative to the extensible boom  20 , and to move the hammer  30  relative to the articulating stick  22 . Like the hammer assembly  30 , the cylinder actuators  26  can be hydraulic- or pneumatic-powered cylinder actuators. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , the hammer assembly  30  can include an upper portion  31  and a lower portion  36 , which may be referred to as a back head portion and a front head portion, respectively. A hammer tool  40  having an upper end may be operatively connected to the lower portion  36  of the hammer assembly  30 . Generally, the hammer tool  40  can be actuated to produce cyclic vibrational movement at an intensity sufficient to demolish hard objects, such as rocks. 
       FIG. 3  shows the hammer assembly  30 , in relevant part, detached from the articulating stick  22  and with transparent sidewalls for the upper portion  31  and the lower portion  36 . The sidewalls of the upper portion  31  and/or the sidewalls of the lower portion  36  may be referred to or characterized as a body  33  of the hammer assembly  30  or part of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . As shown, the hammer assembly  30  can include a power cell  32  and a piston within a sleeve  35  (provided in the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 ). The power cell  32  may utilize a suitable working fluid, such as a hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluid, to reciprocally impact the piston against an upper end of the hammer tool  40  to drive the hammer tool  40 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3 , the hammer assembly  30  can include a plurality of tie bars or rods  50 , which may be referred to or characterized as studs. The tie rods  50  can extend or run in a longitudinal or length-wise direction of the hammer assembly  30 , such as shown in  FIG. 3 . The tie rods  50  also may be circumferentially disposed around the sleeve  35 , for instance, at respective corner portions of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . Generally, the tie rods  50  can retain or hold the upper portion  31  and the lower portion  36  together (along with the power cell  32 ).  FIG. 3  shows four tie rods  50 , though embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to four tie rods  50 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 4 , each of the tie rods  50  can include a first end portion  51  and a second end portion  52  opposite the first end portion  51 . The first end portion  51  may be closer to the articulating stick  22  than the second end portion  52  is to the articulating stick  22 . The first end portion  51  and the second end portion  52  of the tie rod  50 , therefore, may be referred to as a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, respectively, relative to the articulating stick  22 . The second end portion  52  of each tie rod  50  can be secured to the lower portion  36  of the hammer assembly  30 , for instance, via a nut or threaded collar threadedly connected to the second end portion  52  of the tie rod and engaged with the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the first end portion  51  of the tie rod  50  can include a first threaded portion  54  and a second threaded portion  55 . The first threaded portion  54  may be distinct from the second threaded portion  55 . For instance, the second threaded portion  55  may be separated from the first threaded portion  54 . According to one or more embodiments, a first non-threaded portion  56  may be provided between the first threaded portion  54  and the second threaded portion  55 . Optionally, a second non-threaded portion  57  may be provided on a side of the second threaded portion  55  opposite the first threaded portion  54  (and the first non-threaded portion  56 ). 
     The first threaded portion  54  can have a first diameter D 1  and the second threaded portion  55  can have a second diameter D 2 . The second diameter D 2  can be greater than the first diameter D 1 . In that the first threaded portion  54  and the second threaded portion  55  can have different diameters, these threaded portions can have different thread forms. Additionally, the second diameter D 2  of the second threaded portion  55  may be greater than the first diameter D 1  of the first threaded portion  54  because less strength may be needed at the first threaded portion compared to the second threaded portion when tensioning the tie rod  50  as described herein. The non-threaded portion  56  may also have a diameter D 3 , which may be referred to herein as a third diameter, and which may be less than the first diameter D 1  and/or the second diameter D 2 . The diameter of the tie rod  50  may also decrease below the second threaded portion  55 . The first non-threaded portion  56  may be a relief area for the tie rod  50 , for instance, for manufacturing purposes. 
     A nut  60  can be provided for each tie rod  50 . The nut  60  may be referred to herein as a second nut. The nut  60  may also be referred to or characterized as a collar or a sleeve having a threaded inner surface. The nut  60  can have a body with a first end  61 , a second end  62  opposite the first end  61 , an inner sidewall  63 , and an outer sidewall  64 . The inner sidewall  63  can have threads to thread the nut  60  onto (and off of) the second threaded portion  55  of the tie rod  50 . Thus, the nut  60  can be threadedly connected or coupled to the second threaded portion  55  of the tie rod  50 , such as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     When threaded onto the second threaded portion  55 , the nut  60  can be provided in a bore  34  provided in (e.g., formed by) the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30  (the tie rod  50 , of course, can also be provided in the bore  34 ). In this regard, portions of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30  can be provided around the nut  60 . For instance, portions of the body  33  can be provided adjacent to some of the outer sidewall  64  of the nut  60 , such as shown in  FIG. 6 . Also shown in  FIG. 6 , the second end  62  of the nut  60  can be provided on or otherwise abut an internal seat  37  provided in (e.g., formed by) the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . The internal seat  37  may be referred to or characterized as an internal ledge or shoulder. 
     Discussed in more detail below, the nut  60 , when threaded onto the second threaded portion  55  such that the second end  62  contacts the internal seat  37 , for instance, as shown in  FIG. 6 , can provide a clamping load for the tie rod  50 . Also discussed below in more detail below, such clamping load may be an entirety or all of the clamping load for the tie rod  50  (at that end of the tie rod  50 ). Thus, during operation of the hammer tool  40 , the nut  60  may remain threadedly coupled to the second threaded portion  55  of the tie rod  50 , with the second end  62  thereof abutting the internal seat  37 , and the body  33  provided adjacent to some of the outer sidewall  64 . 
     The nut  60  can have a plurality of receptacles  65 . Each receptacle  65 , which may be in the form of a hole or an opening in at least the outer sidewall  64  of the nut  60  and optionally the inner sidewall  63  of the nut  60 , such as shown in  FIG. 6 , can receive a removable tool  90  to adjust tightness (i.e., tighten or loosen) of the nut  60  relative to the internal seat  37 . The receptacles  65  can be evenly spaced around a circumference of the nut  60 . The tool  90  may not be considered part of the hammer assembly  30 . 
     Access to the one or some receptacles  65  can be provided via a window  38  in the form of a through hole or opening (e.g., a slot) in the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . Only one or some (i.e., not all) of the receptacles  65  may be accessed at once, depending upon the rotational position of the nut  60  and the configuration of the window  38 . The tool  90  may be provided through the window  38  and engaged with one of the receptacles  65 . The tool  90  can be rotated to rotate the nut  60  to adjust the tightness of the nut  60  relative to the internal seat  37 . The window  38  may also be dimensioned such that one can access the nut  60  via one or more fingers. Thus, the nut  60  may be tightened by hand via the window  38  such that the second end  62  of the nut  60  initially abuts the internal seat  37 , according to a first amount of torque, and further tightened against the internal seat  37  via the window  38  using the tool  90 , according to a second amount of torque. The second amount of torque associated with tightening the nut  60  using the tool  90  can be greater than the first amount of torque associated with tightening the nut  60  by hand. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-8, 9A, and 9B , a collar or sleeve assembly  70  can be provided for one of the tie rods  50 . The collar assembly  70  may be referred to as a tool and may not be considered part of the hammer assembly  30 . According to one or more embodiments, only one collar assembly  70  may be provided, and the one collar assembly  70  can be used with each tie rod  50  individually and successively. Alternatively, collar assemblies  70  for each of the tie rods  50  may be provided. 
     The collar assembly  70  can include a nut  72  and a plurality of fasteners  80 . The nut  72  may be referred to herein as a first nut. The nut  72  may also be referred to or characterized as a collar or a sleeve having a threaded inner surface. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the nut  72  can have a body with a first end surface  73 , a second end surface  74  opposite the first end surface  73 , an inner sidewall  75 , and an outer sidewall  76 . The inner sidewall  75 , which can be threaded, can define a central opening  77 . A plurality of through holes  78  can extend through the body of the nut  72 , from the first end surface  73  to the second end surface  74 . 
     The nut  72 , via the threading of the inner sidewall  75 , can be threaded onto (and off of) the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 . Thus, the nut  72  can be threadedly connected or coupled to the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 , such as shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . In this regard, the nut  72  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50  with or without some or all of the fasteners  80 . As one example, the nut  72  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50  with all of the fasteners  80  provided in the body of the nut  72 . Discussed in more detail below, the nut  72  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  according to two different orientations, a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  can face up, away from the nut  60 , and the second end surface  74  can face down, toward the nut  60 . In the second orientation the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  can face the nut  60  and the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  can face away from the nut  60 . 
     The first end surface  73  of the nut  72  can be entirely or partially flat or planar. For instance, the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  can be flat or planar from the through holes  78  radially inward to the inner sidewall  75 . Thus, the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  may not have any recessed portions (e.g., counterbores). An edge between the first end surface  73  and the outer sidewall  76  can be chamfered. Additionally or alternatively, an edge between the second end surface  74  and the outer sidewall  76  can be chamfered. According to one or more embodiments, an entire length of the through holes  78  can be threaded. 
     The second end surface  74  of the nut  72  may not be entirely flat or planar. For instance, the second end surface  74  can have a plurality of recessed portions  79 . The recessed portions  79  may be referred to or characterized as counterbores. The recessed portions  79 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , for instance, can radially surround respective ones of the through holes  78 . Moreover, in a top plan view of the second end surface  74  of the nut  72 , the recessed portions  79  can circumscribe respective ones of the through holes  78 . Discussed in more detail below, each recessed portion  79  can be sized to accommodate a portion of a corresponding one of the fasteners  80  provided in the through hole  78 . According to one or more embodiments, a depth of each of the recessed portions  79  can be less than one quarter a thickness of the nut  72 . 
     The through holes  78  can be radially spaced. More specifically, the through holes  78  can be provided a same radial distance from a central longitudinal axis A passing through the central opening  77  of the nut  72  defined by the inner sidewall  75 . In this regard, the through holes  78  can be evenly spaced from each other around the central longitudinal axis A, such as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B , the fasteners  80  each can have a head  82  and a threaded body  84 . According to one or more embodiments, the fasteners  80  can be jack bolts, for instance, whereby the head  82  can be actuated via a hex wrench or the like. Each fastener  80 , when threadedly provided in one of the through holes  78  of the nut  72 , can extend from at least the first end surface  73  or the second end surface  74  of the nut  72 , depending upon the orientation of the nut  72  (i.e., the first orientation or the second orientation). For instance, in the first orientation (shown in  FIG. 9A ) at least the head  82  can extend from the first end surface  73  of the nut  72 . In this regard, in that the first end surface  73  can be flat or planar as discussed above, the head  82  may not be actuated to extend past (i.e., into) the body of the nut  72  by way of the first end surface  73  of the nut  72 . 
     Each recessed portion  79  provided in the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  can be sized to accommodate a portion of the head  82  of respective ones of the fasteners  80 . For instance, the circumference of each recessed portion  79  can be greater (e.g., just greater) than the circumference of the head  82  of the fastener  80  so the head  82  of the fastener  80  can be provided within the recessed portion  79 . According to one or more embodiments, for each recessed portion  79  a thickness (i.e., height) of each head  82  can be greater than the depth of the recessed portion  79 . Thus, in the second orientation (shown in  FIG. 9B ), for each fastener  80  a portion of the head  82  thereof can extend into the recessed portion  79 , for instance, abutting or contacting the floor of the recessed portion  79 , whereas another portion of the head  82  can extend above the second end surface  74 . 
     The other end of the fastener  80 , which may be referred to herein as the free end of the fastener  80 , may also extend from the body of the nut  72 , from either the second end surface  74  (in the first orientation of the nut  72 ) or the first end surface  73  (in the second orientation of the nut  72 ), when the fastener  80  is threadedly provided in one of the through holes  78 . Discussed in more detail below, according to one or more embodiments, the free end of the fastener  80  may be inside the body of the nut  72  when the nut  72  is threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 . After the nut  72  is threaded to a sufficient extent, for instance, when the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  abuts or is adjacent to an upper surface  39  of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 , the fasteners  80  may be actuated, i.e., tightened, to extend or project from either the second end surface  74  (in the first orientation of the nut  72 ) or the first end surface  73  (in the second orientation of the nut  72 ). Incidentally, the upper surface  39  of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30  may not include receptacles (e.g., threaded holes) to receive the free ends of the fasteners  80 . That is, the upper surface  39  can be flat or planar where the free ends of the fasteners  80  contact the upper surface  39 . Therefore, the free ends of the fasteners  80  may directly contact the upper surface  39  but may not be retained in or by the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . 
     Discussed in more detail below, as the fasteners  80  are actuated against the upper surface  39  of the body  33 , the nut  72  can be caused to pull away from the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . Since the nut  72  can be threadedly connected to the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 , such movement of the nut  72  can cause the tie rod  50  to stretch. This can lead to the collar assembly  70  providing the clamping load for the tie rod  50 , at least temporarily, which is also discussed in more detail below. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can involve a kit for assembling, disassembling, adjusting, and/or repairing a particular hammer assembly  30 . The kit may be comprised of at least the collar assembly  70 . The kit may have only one collar assembly  70 . Alternatively, the kit can have multiple collar assemblies  70 , for instance, the same number as a number of tie rods  50  associated with the particular hammer assembly  30 . The kit may also be comprised of a plurality of the nuts  60 . For instance, the kit may have the same number of nuts  60  as the number of tie rods  50 . Optionally, the tool  90  may be part of the kit. According to one or more embodiments, the tie rods  50  may also be part of the kit. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     As noted above, embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to systems and methods for tensioning and/or releasing tension from one or more tie rods for a hammer tool. 
     Generally, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can involve a tie rod torque method and system using a multi-fastener tensioner. The multi-fastener tensioner may be referred to herein as a collar assembly, for instance, collar assembly  70 . Systems and methods according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can achieve a same clamp load for a tie rod, such as tie rod  50 , with relatively less torque, for instance, compared to systems and methods that do not implement a multi-fastener tensioner according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Thus, one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject can provide an extended hammer tie rod (e.g., tie rod  50 ), where a multi-fastener tensioning nut (e.g., collar assembly  70 ) can be provided at the top of the tie rod, above a larger nut, i.e., the actual nut (e.g., nut  60 ) for the tie rod, and where, upon tightening the fasteners by a preset amount, the multi-fastener tensioning nut can create tension and stretch in the tie rod  50  so that the larger nut (e.g., nut  60 ) can be screwed down more easily using relatively less torque given by hand. The larger nut may then be further tightened using another tool (e.g., tool  90 ), followed by releasing the fasteners of the multi-fastener tensioning nut to transfer all the clamping load back to the larger nut. The multi-fastener tensioning nut can then be removed from the tie rod. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can also involve a reversible multi-fastener tensioner having a geometry to provide unequal tensioning ability for different orientations of the multi-fastener tensioner. In particular, multi-fastener tensioners according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can enable more stretching when provided in a loosening orientation compared to a tightening or tensioning orientation. The tightening/tensioning orientation and the loosening orientation may be referred to herein as the first orientation and the second orientation of the nut  72 , respectively. In the tightening orientation the heads of the fasteners can be stopped at (i.e., prevented from exceeding) a first tightening amount and in the loosening orientation the heads of the fasteners can be stopped at (i.e., prevented from exceeding) a second tightening amount. Notably, the second tightening amount can be greater than the first tightening amount. Thus, the reversible multi-fastener tensioner can stretch the tie rod more in the second orientation, due to its differing geometry on opposite end surfaces, to accommodate for any preload tensioning that may remain on the larger fastener (e.g., nut  60 ) for a disassembly or de-tensioning of the tie rod. This may allow the larger fastener to be more readily loosened by hand. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 10 , these figures will be used to illustrate assembling of the tie rod  50  according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 10  can also be representative of the nut  72  being in a first or tightening orientation. Such assembling may include tensioning the tie rod  50 . Such assembling can be applicable to all of the tie rods  50  of the hammer assembly  30 . 
     The tie rod  50  can be provided within the interior of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . The second end portion  52  of the tie rod  50  can be secured to the lower portion  36  of the hammer assembly  30 , for instance, via a nut or threaded collar threadedly connected to the second end portion  52  of the tie rod and engaged with the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . The first end portion  51  of the tie rod  50  can be secured to the upper portion  31  of the hammer assembly  30 . 
     At operation  102  of method  100  shown in  FIG. 10 , the nut  60  can be arranged within the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . More specifically, the nut  60  can be threaded onto the second threaded portion  55  of the tie rod  50 . The nut  60  may be arranged by hand tightening, at least in part by accessing the nut  60  via the window  38  formed in the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . According to one or more embodiments, the second end  62  of the nut can contact or be adjacent to the internal seat  37  provided within the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . At operation  102 , the nut  60  can be positioned as shown in  FIG. 6 , as an example. Here, the nut  60  can be tightened such that the tie rod  50  has no slack. 
     At operation  104  of method  100 , the collar assembly  70  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 . In particular, the nut  72  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 . The nut  72  may be threaded onto the second threaded portion  54  with or without the fasteners  80 . 
     In a case where the fasteners  80  are provided, the fasteners  80  can extend from at least the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  as the collar assembly  70  is threaded onto the first threaded portion  54 . The free ends of the fasteners  80  opposite the heads  82  may also extend from the body of the nut  72  at the time of installation of the nut  72  or in any case, later, to tension the tie rod  50  using the collar assembly  70 . Thus, according to one or more embodiments, at operation  104  the nut  72  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50  until the second end surface  74  contacts or is adjacent to the upper surface  39  of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . In such a case, as an example, the free ends of the fasteners  80  can be flush with the second end surface  74  of the nut  72 . Alternatively, if the free ends of the fasteners  80  extend from the body of the nut  72  at the time of installation of the nut  72  on the tie rod  50 , the free ends of the fasteners  80  can contact the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . 
     In any event, at operation  106  the fasteners  80  can be tightened against the upper surface  39  of the body  33  using, for instance, a wrench or the like, depending upon the configuration of the heads  82  of the fasteners  80 . The fasteners  80  can be tightened according to a predetermined pattern, such as clockwise, counterclockwise, or opposing pairs of fasteners  80 . 
     The fasteners  80 , as they are tightened, can extend from (or further extend from) the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  and push against the upper surface  39  of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . This can cause the collar assembly  70 , which can be threaded to the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 , to pull away from the upper surface  39  of the body  33  and apply tension to the tie rod  50 . A gap can thus be created between the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  and the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . 
     The fasteners  80  can be tightened by a preset amount or distance d 1 , as shown in  FIG. 9A , for instance. Such preset distance d 1  may be defined from the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  to the free end of the fastener  80 . The preset distance d 1  may also correspond to the gap created between the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  and the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . 
     The preset distance d 1  can be set based on an amount by which the fastener  80  can be screwed in to achieve a desired amount of stretch and clamp load for the tie rod  50 . For instance, if the tie rod  50  is desired to be stretched by 4.0 mm, the length of the threaded body  84  of the fastener  80  can be set such that tightening the fastener  80  by 4.0 mm can stretch the tie rod  50  by 4.0 mm. The amount of stretch can correspond to a predetermined clamp load desired to be exerted on the tie rod  50 . Here, providing the clamp load by tightening the fasteners  80  may be referred to or characterized as preloading the tie rod  50  (using the collar assembly  70 ). 
     According to one or more embodiments, the amount by which the head  82  of the fastener  80  is spaced from the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  can correspond to the preset distance d 1 . In this regard, as noted above, the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  can be flat or planar. The heads  82  of the fasteners  80 , therefore, may not extend past (i.e., into) the body of the nut  72  via the first end surface  73  when the nut  72  is in the first orientation. For instance, all heads  82  of the fasteners  80  can contact the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  to provide the preset stretch and clamp load for the tie rod  50  when the nut  72  is in the first orientation. Additionally, the distance between the free end of the fastener  80  and the bottom of the head  82  of the fastener  80  can be equal to the thickness of the nut  72  plus the desired amount by which the free end of the fastener  80  can project from the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  when the nut  72  is in the first orientation. Thus, the distance from the head  82  to the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  can dictate the amount by which the free end of the fastener  80  can be extended (or further extended) to provide the preset stretch and clamp load for the tie rod  50  when the nut  72  is in the first orientation. Of course, the desired amount of stretch may not necessarily lead to the heads  82  of the fasteners  80  abutting the first end surface  73  of the nut  72 . 
     The tightening of the fasteners at operation  106  can also lead to movement of the nut  60 . In particular, since the nut  60  and the nut  72  are coupled to the tie rod  50 , movement of the nut  72  by the preset distance d 1  can also move the nut  60  by approximately the distance d 1 . Such movement of the nut  60  due to elongation of the tensioned tie rod  50  can pull the nut  60  away from the internal seat  37 . 
     At operation  108  the nut  60  may be manipulated toward the internal seat  37  with rotation of the nut  60  causing threaded inner sidewall  63  to cooperate with the second threaded portion  55  of the tie rod  50  and cause the nut  60  to move parallel to the central longitudinal axis A. Such movement may be characterized as tightening. For instance, the nut  60  may be manipulated by hand to abut or be adjacent to the internal seat  37 . According to one or more embodiments, such manipulation can be via the window  38 . 
     At operation  110 , the nut  60  can be tightened against the internal seat  37 . Such tightening may be referred to or characterized as further tightening the nut  60 . The torque applied at operation  110  can be greater than the torque applied at operation  108 . According to one or more embodiments, the tool  90  may be used to tighten the nut  60  at operation  110 . After tightening the nut  60  the tool  90  may be disengaged from the nut  60 . 
     After the nut  60  has been suitably tightened at operation  110 , at operation  112  the collar assembly  70  can be removed from the tie rod  50 . Such removal can include loosening the collar assembly  70 . This can involve loosening the fasteners  80  such that the free ends of the fasteners  80  no longer contact the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . The nut  60  can then be unthreaded from the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 . Loosening the collar assembly  70  can transfer the clamping load from the collar assembly  70  to the nut  60 . 
     The operations  102 - 112  may be repeated for one or more additional tie rods  150  of the hammer assembly  30 . With the clamping loads provided by nuts  60  tightened to respective tie rods  50  according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the hammer tool  40  may be operated. Notably, the collar assembly  70  may not be provided on any of the tie rods  50  during operation of the hammer tool  40 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9B  and  FIG. 11 , these figures will be used to illustrate disassembling of the tie rod  50  according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 9B  and  FIG. 11  can also be representative of the nut  72  being in a second or loosening orientation. Such disassembling may include releasing tension from the tie rod  50  and can be applicable to all of the tie rods  50  of the hammer assembly  30 . 
     At operation  202  of method  200 , the collar assembly  70  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 . In particular, the nut  72  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 . The nut  72  may be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  with or without the fasteners  80 . For operation  202  the nut  60  can be already previously tightened to provide the clamping load for the tie rod  50 , for instance, according to the method  100 . 
     In a case where the fasteners  80  are provided, the fasteners  80  can extend from at least the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  as the collar assembly  70  is threaded onto the first threaded portion  54 . The free ends of the fasteners  80  opposite the heads  82  may also extend from the body of the nut  72  at the time of installation of the nut  72  or in any case, later, to tension the tie rod  50  using the collar assembly  70 . Thus, according to one or more embodiments, at operation  202  the nut  72  can be threaded onto the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50  until the first end surface  73  contacts or is adjacent to the upper surface  39  of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . In such a case, as an example, the free ends of the fasteners  80  can be flush with the first end surface  73  of the nut  72 . Alternatively, if the free ends of the fasteners  80  extend from the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  at the time of installation of the nut  72  on the tie rod  50 , the free ends of the fasteners  80  can contact the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . 
     In any event, at operation  204  the fasteners  80  can be tightened against the upper surface  39  of the body  33  using, for instance, a wrench or the like, depending upon the configuration of the heads  82  of the fasteners  80 . The fasteners  80  can be tightened according to a predetermined pattern, such as clockwise, counterclockwise, or opposing pairs of fasteners  80 . 
     The fasteners  80 , as they are tightened, can extend from (or further extend from) the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  and push against the upper surface  39  of the body  33  of the hammer assembly  30 . This can cause the collar assembly  70 , which can be threaded to the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50 , to pull away from the upper surface  39  of the body  33  and apply tension to the tie rod  50 . A gap can thus be created between the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  and the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . 
     The fasteners  80  can be tightened by a preset amount or distance d 2 , as shown in  FIG. 9B , for instance. Such preset distance d 2  may be defined from the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  to the free end of the fastener  80 . The preset distance d 2  may also correspond to the gap created between the first end surface  73  of the nut  72  and the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . 
     The preset distance d 2  can be set based on an amount by which the fastener  80  can be screwed in to achieve a desired amount of stretch and clamp load for the tie rod  50  when the nut  72  is in the second orientation. The preset distance d 2  can be greater than the preset distance d 1  associated with the nut  72  in the first orientation. As an example, the preset distance d 2  may be 5.0 mm. Thus, if the tie rod  50  is desired to be stretched by 5.0 mm, the length of the threaded body  84  of the fastener  80  can be set such that tightening the fastener  80  by 5.0 mm can stretch the tie rod  50  by 5.0 mm. The amount of stretch can correspond to a predetermined clamp load desired to be exerted on the tie rod  50 , for instance, to overcome an existing loading force provided by the nut  60  on the tie rod  50 . Here, providing the clamp load by tightening the fasteners  80  may be referred to or characterized as preloading the tie rod  50  (using the collar assembly  70 ). In this context, such preloading may be to loosen the nut  60 . 
     According to one or more embodiments, the amount by which the head  82  of the fastener  80  is spaced from the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  can correspond to the preset distance d 2 . In this regard, as noted above, the second end surface  74  of the nut  72  can have the plurality of recessed portions  79 . The recessed portions  79 , which may be referred to or characterized as counterbores, can radially surround respective ones of the through holes  78 , where each recessed portion  79  can be sized to accommodate a portion of the head  82  of respective ones of the fasteners  80 . For instance, for each recessed portion  79  a thickness (i.e., height) of each head  82  can be greater than the depth of the recessed portion  79 . Thus, in the second orientation, for each fastener  80  a portion of the head  82  thereof can extend into the recessed portion  79 , for instance, abutting or contacting the floor of the recessed portion  79 , whereas another portion of the head  82  can extend above the second end surface  74 . The distance from the head  82  to the floor of the recessed portion  79  can dictate the amount by which the free end of the fastener  80  can be extended (or further extended) to provide the preset stretch and clamp load for the tie rod  50  when the nut  72  is in the second orientation. Of course, the desired amount of stretch may not necessarily lead to the heads  82  of the fasteners  80  abutting the floors of the recessed portions  79 . 
     The tightening of the fasteners at operation  204  can also lead to movement of the nut  60 . In particular, since the nut  60  and the nut  72  are coupled to the tie rod  50 , movement of the nut  72  by the preset distance d 2  can also move the nut  60  by approximately the distance d 2 . Such movement of the nut  60  due to elongation of the tensioned tie rod  50  can pull the nut  60  away from the internal seat  37 . Moreover, the nut  72  can provide the clamping force for the tie rod  50 . 
     At operation  206  the nut  60  may be manipulated farther away from the internal seat  37 , with rotation of the nut  60  causing threaded inner sidewall  63  to cooperate with the second threaded portion  55  of the tie rod  50  and the nut  60  to move parallel to the central longitudinal axis A. Such movement may be characterized as loosening. For instance, the nut  60  may be manipulated by hand to be moved farther away from the internal seat  37 . According to one or more embodiments, such manipulation can be via the window  38 . 
     At operation  208  the collar assembly  70  can be removed from the tie rod  50 . Such removal can include loosening the collar assembly  70 . This can involve loosening the fasteners  80  such that the free ends of the fasteners  80  no longer contact the upper surface  39  of the body  33 . The nut  72  can then be unthreaded from the first threaded portion  54  of the tie rod  50  and removed from the tie rid  50 . 
     At operation  210  the nut  60  can be removed from the tie rod  50 . This can involve sliding the nut  60  toward the proximal end of the tie rod  50 . Depending upon the diameter D 1  of the first threaded portion  54 , the nut  60  may also need to be threaded along the first threaded portion  54  to be removed from the tie rod  50 . 
     The operations  202 - 210  may be repeated for one or more additional tie rods  50  of the hammer assembly  30 . 
     While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof. 
     Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B″) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.