Abstract: A pipe fusion machine including a track mounted chassis supporting a horizontal turntable for unlimited, reversible rotation relative to the chassis. A boom pivotally attached at a rear end of, and extending forwardly of, the turntable enables manipulation of elevations and distances of the free end of the boom. The free end of the boom is adapted to permit pivotal mounting thereon of a pipe fusion tool such as an indexer configured to articulate and support a pipe-end facer and a pipe-end heater for respective independent orientation into and out of alignment with the ends of pipes to be fused. A carriage supports fixed and sliding jaws adapted to grip the ends of pipes to be fused for relative reciprocal movement during a pipe fusion process. Each of the jaws may include an upper half jaw and lower left and right quarter jaws.

Abstract: Modular carriage for varying spacing between ends of polymer pipe during fusion. The modular carriage includes a fixed jaw; an inner movable jaw; an outer moveable jaw and a plurality of guide rods. The fixed jaw being adapted for tool free engagement with the terminal ends of the plurality of guide rods. A carriage cylinder is associated with at least two of the guide rods and mounted for reciprocal travel along the length of its associated guide rod. The movable jaws being adapted for tool free engagement with at least two carriage cylinders for reciprocal travel therewith. A combined hydraulic cylinder/guide rod includes a guide rod with an integral guide rod piston, a cylindrical tube, and a guide rod gland on each end of the cylinder tube.

Abstract: Modular carriage for varying spacing between ends of polymer pipe during fusion. The modular carriage includes a fixed jaw; an inner movable jaw; an outer moveable jaw and a plurality of guide rods. The fixed jaw being adapted for tool free engagement with the terminal ends of the plurality of guide rods. A carriage cylinder is associated with at least two of the guide rods and mounted for reciprocal travel along the length of its associated guide rod. The movable jaws being adapted for tool free engagement with at least two carriage cylinders for reciprocal travel therewith. A combined hydraulic cylinder/guide rod includes a guide rod with an integral guide rod piston, a cylindrical tube, and a guide rod gland on each end of the cylinder tube.

Abstract: A facer facing the ends of polyolefin pipes for butt fusion is modular in the sense that it employs three types of modules, a drive unit, two blade holders and a motor assembly, that are separable from one another and each independently light enough to be hand-lifted along walls and up to ceilings. The drive unit module is adjustable to accommodate different guide rail spacings. The blade holder modules are interchangeable to accommodate different diameters of pipe. The motor assembly module has multispeed capability to accommodate the total area of material to be faced. Each module can be exchanged or modified without use of tools to change the geometry of the assembled facer to accommodate different fusion machines and/or diameters of pipe within working spaces dictated by the diameter of the pipe and not by a fixed geometry of a facer.

Abstract: A facer for use in preparing the opposed ends of polyolefin pipes for fusion into a pipeline has a pair of cutting wheels which rotate in unison. A controller causes the cutting wheels to trace and face the pipe end walls in a closed loop path.

Abstract: Assembly for securing two components by tool free engagement. The assembly including a clamped component and a shouldered component. The shouldered component including a channel for receiving the clamped component. The channel having a first wall and a second wall. The clamped component being in contact with the second wall. The first wall of the channel having a tapered interface. A clamp including a clamp segment having a tapered interface, is adapted to wedge against the tapered interface of the first wall. The clamp segment being positioned between the first wall and the clamped component. Application of clamping force by the clamp on the clamp segment forces its tapered interface against the mating tapered interface of the first wall resulting in a force which translates from the clamp segment through the clamped component and against the second wall of the channel thereby securing the clamped component to the shouldered component.

Abstract: Modular carriage for varying spacing between ends of polymer pipe during fusion. The modular carriage includes a fixed jaw; an inner movable jaw; an outer moveable jaw and a plurality of guide rods. The fixed jaw being adapted for tool free engagement with the terminal ends of the plurality of guide rods. A carriage cylinder is associated with at least two of the guide rods and mounted for reciprocal travel along the length of its associated guide rod. The movable jaws being adapted for tool free engagement with at least two carriage cylinders for reciprocal travel therewith. A combined hydraulic cylinder/guide rod includes a guide rod with an integral guide rod piston, a cylindrical tube, and a guide rod gland on each end of the cylinder tube.

Abstract: A facer facing the ends of polyolefin pipes for butt fusion is modular in the sense that it employs three types of modules, a drive unit, two blade holders and a motor assembly, that are separable from one another and each independently light enough to be hand-lifted along walls and up to ceilings. The drive unit module is adjustable to accommodate different guide rail spacings. The blade holder modules are interchangeable to accommodate different diameters of pipe. The motor assembly module has multispeed capability to accommodate the total area of material to be faced. Each module can be exchanged or modified without use of tools to change the geometry of the assembled facer to accommodate different fusion machines and/or diameters of pipe within working spaces dictated by the diameter of the pipe and not by a fixed geometry of a facer.

Abstract: Assembly for securing two components by tool free engagement. The assembly including a clamped component and a shouldered component. The shouldered component including a channel for receiving the clamped component. The channel having a first wall and a second wall. The clamped component being in contact with the second wall. The first wall of the channel having a tapered interface. A clamp including a clamp segment having a tapered interface, is adapted to wedge against the tapered interface of the first wall. The clamp segment being positioned between the first wall and the clamped component. Application of clamping force by the clamp on the clamp segment forces its tapered interface against the mating tapered interface of the first wall resulting in a force which translates from the clamp segment through the clamped component and against the second wall of the channel thereby securing the clamped component to the shouldered component.

Abstract: A facer for use in preparing the opposed ends of polyolefin pipes for fusion into a pipeline has a pair of cutting wheels which rotate in unison. A controller causes the cutting wheels to trace and face the pipe end walls in a closed loop path.

Abstract: A facer for use in preparing the opposed ends of polyolefin pipes for fusion into a pipeline has a pair of cutting wheels which rotate in unison. A controller causes the cutting wheels to trace and face the pipe end walls in a closed loop path.

Abstract: A facer for use in preparing the opposed ends of polyolefin pipes for fusion into a pipeline has a pair of cutting wheels which rotate in unison. A controller causes the cutting wheels to trace and face the pipe end walls in a closed loop path.