Patent ID: 8763221

Claim:
A tool for physically separating a plurality of plates; the tool comprising: a. a modified bolt comprising a first end threaded portion and a second end non-cylindrical head portion longitudinally opposed to the threaded portion; b. wherein the threaded portion is configured to interoperate with a borehole within a first plate of the plurality of plates to be separated; c. the modified bolt comprising a frustoconical smooth surface tapered region between the threaded portion and the head portion, with the tapered region narrowing in diameter toward the head portion; d. a plurality of gripping inserts having an inner frustoconical surface operably configured to interoperate with the tapered region of the modified bolt so as to allow free rotation of the modified bolt within the gripping inserts; e. wherein the gripping inserts further comprise an outer surface having a toothed surface configured to engage an inner surface of a borehole within a second plate of the plurality of plates; and f. wherein the tool produces compressive forces within the modified bolt to generate tensile forces between the first plate and the second plate when operated.