Abstract: Apparatus and method for accurately aligning and applying the outside longitudinal weld seam, with the weld seam of a section of large diameter thick gauge steel pipe generally after the inside weld has already been made, including support means for maintaining the pipe section in a stationary position, a plurality of adjustable scanning and tracking assemblies mounted at spaced measured stations along the length of the apparatus, each of which include optical scanning means whereby the scanning and tracking assemblies can be centered with respect to the seam weld of the pipe section at the point of scan, guide means connected to each scanning assembly so that the movement thereof causes said guide means to assume a contour corresponding to the longitudinal weld seam, and a welding machine which follows the path of said guide means to thereby apply the outside weld seam in alignment with the weld seam as the pipe is held stationary and the welding machine travels along the length thereof.

Abstract: A pipe press having a main press section and at least one end press section aligned with the main section for movement with and independently of the main section. The press is designed to accommodate elongate heavy gauge steel pipe blanks having lengths varying between the length of the main section and the combined composite length of the main and end sections. Because of the independence of the end section relative to the main section, the main section is loaded uniformly, even though a blank may be of a length less than the combined composite length of the press. The end press section is free to move axially relative to the main press section to accommodate elongation of a blank during operation of the press. Actuating cylinders for the press are arranged in paired sets extending transversely of the press dies to provide increased load capacity, without resorting to the use of extraordinarily large cylinders.

Abstract: A tester having a pair of bolsters connected together by a tension framework and adapted to receive therebetween a pipe to be tested. One of the bolsters is movable along the framework to accommodate pipes of different lengths and locking pins are provided to secure the movable bolster at select positions along the length of the framework. The pins are received in openings having enlarged portions to facilitate pin insertion and reduced portions to provide confronting surface-to-surface contact between the pins and the openings upon test loading. The movable bolster carries its own pumping facility to withdraw water from a sump disposed beneath the tester and pump the water through a charging conduit on the bolster and into the pipe being tested. A stripper extends through the charging conduit to selectively remove a pipe from the movable bolster upon completion of a test. Vertically adjustable carriages are provided to support pipes of different diameter in a condition aligned with the bolsters.