Abstract: A tube cutting apparatus for cutting a continuously fed elongate tube into predetermined lengths including a removable die set which is mounted at an angle to the horizontal and an associated die set changeover table adapted to receive the die set and tilt the same to a horizontal position to facilitate removal thereof and the positioning of a substitute die set.

Abstract: A continuous tube mill apparatus for changeover production of a first product to production of a second product of a different size or shape which includes a tube forming section having a stationary section and a removable cassette. The stationary section includes a pair of horizontally disposed spaced apart forming roll receiving spindles. The removable cassette includes a cradle, a first pair of forming rolls for disposition on respective spindles and a pair of side forming rolls cooperating with the first mentioned forming rolls. Means are provided for moving the cradle and the first pair of forming rolls into and out of engagement with the spindles.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for maintaining seam alignment in seam welded tubes comprising the tube being formed to be advanced through a shaping station after seam welding and prior to the cooling of tube wherein the tube is preformed to commence to assume at least two continuously extending flat shaped surfaces parallel with the continuous seam and contacting the preformed tube subsequent to the cooling to maintain alignment of the weld seam.

Abstract: A transition forming unit for a tube mill is provided for forming a strip into a generally annular shaped cross-sectional configuration. The forming process is performed by a plurality of roll assemblies mounted on at least a pair of spaced longitudinally extending beams, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. The beams are mounted to rotate about their longitudinal axis and are horizontally and vertically adjustable.

Abstract: An automated system for exchanging components of a continuous seam-welded tube mill to change from production of one tubular product to another. The components to be changed are mounted upon subbase units adapted to be removably affixed to a fixed mill base. Alternate sets of changeable mill units mounted on duplicate subbase sections are provided for off line tooling change and setup. Changeover modules are automatically conveyed from a tooling storage area to the mill base for automatic changeover. Push-pull units are incorporated in the changeover modules to shift the subbase sections from the mill base to the changeover module and the previously retooled duplicate subbase sections from the changeover modules into operative position on the mill bases.

Abstract: A strip accumulator for forming a length of strip material into a storage coil composed of an inner set of convolutions and an outer set of convolutions and an outer set of convolutions interconnected by a free reverse bend which will move freely in opposite paths, the strip being supported on one edge on a horizontally disposed supporting surface with the inner set of convolutions built up around an inner arbor, the outer set of convolutions being formed on a moving supporting surface being driven in timed relation to the feeding speed of the strip being accumulated providing a free-formed outer set of convolutions to the elimination of an outer roll basket and roll adjusting mechanism heretofore employed to form and support the outer set of convolutions in the storage coil.

Abstract: An automated system for exchanging components of a continuous seam-welded tube mill to change from production of one tubular product to another. The components to be changed are mounted upon sub-base units adapted to be removably affixed to a fixed mill base. Alternate sets of changeable mill units mounted on duplicate sub-base sections are provided for off line tooling change and setup. Changeover modules are provided alongside and spaced from the mill base. Bridging roll units are extendible to span the space between the mill bases and the changeover modules, and push-pull units are incorporated in the changeover modules to shift the sub-base sections from the mill base to the changeover module and the previously retooled duplicate sub-base sections from the changeover modules into operative position on the mill bases.

Abstract: A system is provided for assuring the straightness of pipes or tubes produced by a continuous seam-welded process. Following sizing, the newly formed continuous tube passes through a straightening unit and a preliminary alignment checker. The alignment checker observes the actual spatial position of the advancing tube, and the straightening unit is adjusted in response to deviations of the observed position from the predetermined desired path to deform the tube so that it conforms to the desired path. The advancing continuous tube is then severed into individual tube sections of desired length, and some or all of the sections are inspected for straightness. In inspecting for straightness the individual sections are rotated about their longitudinal axes to place the seam-weld in a predetermined position for correlating the angular attitude of the section with that of the advancing continuous tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for removing from the outer surface the raised bead resulting from welding in the manufacture of continuous seam-welded metal tubes. A stage or travelling support block mounted for movement transversely of the advancing tube carries a pair of scarfing blades, each of which may have a plurality of cutting edges moveable seriatim into operative position. Adjusting screws operatively connected to the stage permit the stage and the scarfing blades thereon to be manually adjusted both laterally and vertically relative to the tube, and to selectively position either one of the scarfing blades for bead removal. A piston rod is connected by suitable linkage to the stage for rapidly advancing and retracting the stage upon command to move the scarfing blade into and out of operative position.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for aligning and guiding the seam of newly formed tube as it enters the welding mechanism in the manufacture of continuous seam-welded metal tubes or pipes. A rotary seam guide member having an alignment fin is mounted so that a alignment fin rollingly engages within the open seam immediately in advance of the seam welding mechanism. The seam guide member and a cooperating opposed roller guide the tube into the welding mechanism. The seam guide and opposed roller are carried within a roll stand including mechanism by which their position may be adjusted vertically and longitudinally relative to the welding mechanism, as well as rotated arcuately about the path of the tube. The seam guide member and/or the opposed roller may include insulating barriers to impede induced heating thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for internally removing a raised weld bead of a longitudinal seam welded tube having an elongate mandrel support body. A cutting tool is mounted on the support body adjacent one of its ends and projects outwardly from one surface on the body. A pivot roll and a stabilizing roll are mounted in the support body in spaced relation in the elongate direction of the body and project outwardly from the same surface as the cutting tool. A resiliently mounted carriage roll disposed between the pivot roll and the stabilizing roll which projects outwardly from the surface of the support body opposite the one surface. A tilting roll remotely disposed from the cutting tool and moveable in either vertical direction by cams to effect pivotal movement of the support body about the pivot roll, and advance and retract the cutting tool with respect to the internal weld bead.

Abstract: A transition forming unit is provided for forming a strip of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration into a generally annular shaped cross-sectional configuration. The forming process is performed by a plurality of roll assemblies adjustably mounted on a pair of spaced longitudinally extending beams, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. The beams are adjustable in respect of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. A hold down assembly is provided for controlling the alignment of the U-shaped strip as it passes through the forming unit. The roll assemblies are mounted on each beam to absorb thrust loads produced during the forming process.