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Simple solutions are often the Best

FIRST PRIZE: LEO AUDET, Stone Container, Bathurst, NB. Flexible hand drill bitThe purpose of this gadget is to remove the lantern ring from a standard type packing box on any rotating equipment. This …

FIRST PRIZE: LEO AUDET, Stone Container, Bathurst, NB. Flexible hand drill bit

The purpose of this gadget is to remove the lantern ring from a standard type packing box on any rotating equipment. This lantern ring is located between rings of packing and in recent years the traditional brass rings have been replaced with a flexible plastic material. Quite often, this ring is difficult to remove. The gadget is a modification to a standard packing hook where the spiral hook used to pull packing is replaced with an appropriately sized drill bit that is welded into place. After backing off the packing gland and removing the first rings of packing, the flexible hand drill bit is used to drill a hole in the lantern ring. The flexible hand drill bit may engage well enough to remove the lantern ring. If not, another tool made from the same flexible shaft and handle but fitted with a tape tap or a self-tapping screw will certainly dislodge it.

SECOND PRIZE: BOB CLARK, Kimberly-Clark, Nova Scotia, Pictou County, NS. Bearing alignment tool

The purpose of the bearing alignment tool is to align and hold self-aligning bearings resulting in easy assembly at time of rebuild or replacement. The gadget was designed to be used in the rebuilding of Allis Chalmers PWO pump brackets, sizes 2 and 3. Similar tools can be used to assemble gearboxes where shafts are outfitted with self-aligning bearings. The gadget consists of two pieces: a body and a nut. The body is made of pipe that is welded to a flange cut from plate. The end pieces are machined parallel and square to the centre line axis of the opening in the pipe. The nut is machined to suit the size of the threaded section on the shaft. After the pump shaft has been assembled with the self-aligning bearing and other associated equipment, the bearing alignment tool is installed. The body of the tool slides over the shaft and the flange face seats against the bearing outer race. The nut is then installed to hold the tool tight against the bearing and thus square with the shaft. The shaft assembly is then ready to be installed. The shaft assembly will then literally slide into the pump bracket with no hammering or forcing.

THIRD PRIZE: ANDREW TAYLOR, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Limited, Corner Brook, NF. Dryer bearing extractor

Also known as the “jaws of life”, the extractor can pull a bearing in minutes and is easy to use and attach (saving time as well as stress on the back and arms). The mechanical forces do not damage the bearing. The new device is clamped to the bearing with the “jaws” specially designed to fit existing grooves in the brass bearings. The device is then hooked to a chain fall, which evenly pulls the bearing from the housing with the journal in place.

HONORABLE MENTION: ANDY FECHO, Weyerhaeuser Canada, Dryden, ON. Paraflex coupling compression tool

The purpose of the gadget is to compress larger (PX120 to PX200) Paraflex spacer couplings for removal and installation. To remove a coupling, using a hoist or chain block, the worker would first lower the clamp into place to the centre line of the coupling. The compression tool would then be adjusted sideways so it grabs the edge of the coupling. The set screws are adjusted so that it grabs properly. The bolts on the flanges are loosened and clamping is started until the coupling is compressed. The bolts are removed and the coupling is lifted out.

HONORABLE MENTION: NORMAND TREMBLAY, Abitibi-Consolidated, La Baie, QC. Pressure hose switch

The gadget was designed to increase the reliability of a paper roll conveyor belt switch. The old tape switch ruptured frequently and was costly. A hose switch replaced it. The principle: A paper roll compresses the hose while rolling over it, thereby displacing a volume of air. This, in turn, triggers a pressure switch placed at one end of the hose (the other end is plugged), activating a programmable controller which turns off the conveyor belt. This allows the roll to roll onto the conveyor belt without damaging the roll. The hose switch has lasted several months while tape switches had to be replaced every one to 10 days.