Having Means To Circumrotate Torch About Workpiece Patents (Class 266/56)
  • Patent number: 11224948
    Abstract: A twin clamp, comprising two receptacles (61, 62), each of which has two movable clamping jaws (611, 612, 621, 622) and by means of each of which an elongate profile segment (71, 72) having a circular cross-section can be clamped in the contact section, each elongate profile segment having a centre axis (D71, D72) and an outside diameter, wherein two clamping jaws (611, 612, 621, 622) of different receptacles (61, 62) are coupled to one another via a respective differential gearing (41, 42) and two clamping jaws (611, 612, 621, 622) of the same receptacle (61, 62) are coupled to one another via a synchronous gearing (51, 52) and the position of the centre axes (D71, D72) of the clamped elongate profile segments (71, 72) is independent of the size of the outside diameters of the elongate profile segments (71, 72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Rattunde AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Rattunde
  • Patent number: 10376971
    Abstract: A pipe milling machine for separating and/or cutting a pipe to length includes a drive unit configured to generate a feed force to the pipe and a holding device configured to hold the pipe. The holding device is mountable around the pipe, the drive unit engages in or touches down on the holding device, the feed force is transferred to the holding device in a location, which contacts the pipe or which is adjacent to a location which contacts the pipe, and/or the drive unit is guided by the holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Eisenhardt, Boris Richt, Jonas Buck
  • Patent number: 10207346
    Abstract: A pipe milling machine for separating and/or cutting a pipe to length is disclosed. In an embodiment the pipe milling machine includes a milling wheel configured to separate the pipe and a motor configured to generate a feed of the pipe milling machine and to drive the milling wheel, wherein driving the milling wheel is independent of separating the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: C & E Fein GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Eisenhardt, Boris Richt
  • Patent number: 10207340
    Abstract: A machining device for machining the lateral surface of an approximately cylindrical object in portions thereof includes a chain for annularly surrounding the object to be machined. The chain consists of at least two hingedly connectable chain links, one of which is a tool holder having at least one tool for machining the lateral surface. The device also includes support rollers for rolling on the lateral surface. The at least one other chain link is a chain connecting link. The chain links are connectable in such a way that they form a closed chain ring around the object to be machined. The machining device further includes a feed adjuster capable of reversibly adjusting an axial position of facing ends of two chain links parallel to the axis of the closed chain ring relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: PF-Schweiβtechnologie GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Merle, Achim Spychalski-Merle
  • Patent number: 10029320
    Abstract: Pipe machining apparatuses are provided. In some aspects, a pipe machining apparatus may include a hinge to allow two sections of the pipe machining apparatus to move relative to one another. In another aspect, a support member may be provided to support a pipe machining apparatus on a surface. In a further aspect, a support member may be provided that allows lifting of a pipe machining apparatus in either a horizontal position or a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Pierce, Michael W. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 9776272
    Abstract: A modular two-part welding and processing platform is described. A cart section is capable of rotating around objects such as pipes and cylinders, or of linear travel along plates or the like. This cart section reversibly couples to a processing section supplied for instance with welding apparatus, painting apparatus, cleaning means, analysis means or the like. By means of this two-part device, work pieces can be cleaned, welded, and inspected quickly and accurately. Special marks may be provided on the work piece which in conjunction with sensors and motoring means on the cart, allow for precise positioning of the process head with respect to the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: WELDOBOT LTD.
    Inventors: Omer Einav, Doron Shabanov, Daniel Spirtus, Ami Andre Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 9731363
    Abstract: A guide carriage for a cutting device for cutting a cylindrical workpiece. The carriage has a tool carrier for the cutting device and a tensioning member which wraps around the workpiece and is guided over a tensioning element. A tensioning device disposed on a chassis acts on the tensioning element. The tensioning device exerts a tensioning force on the tensioning member via the tensioning element. The tensioning member, a belt, is secured non-displaceably on the periphery of the workpiece. The chassis is movable in the peripheral direction of the workpiece along the belt. The belt bears a connecting element, by which the belt is closed. The connecting element is not fully traversable by the guide carriage. In order to be able to execute a full cut over the periphery, the tool carrier enables the cutting device to be mounted in a first and alternatively a second working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Kremsler, Juergen Hohl
  • Patent number: 9682448
    Abstract: An apparatus for torch cutting large pipe with a pair of split discs mounted to the pipe, one of the discs being a split ring gear. A circumferential track is formed in the facing surfaces of each of the discs. A driver mechanism is mounted on a set of rollers that operate in the tracks. The driver mechanism has a pinion to engage the split ring gear teeth so that turning the pinion causes the driver mechanism to move around the pipe. A torch is mounted to the driver mechanism in a position to cut the pipe as the driver mechanism moves around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Vincent P. Cassarino
  • Patent number: 9671043
    Abstract: Systems and methods for unearthing, retrieving, and processing subsea tubulars can include engaging a cable to an end of a subsea tubular and a vessel, moving the vessel in a direction parallel to the axis of the tubular, and unearthing the tubular using the thrust of the vessel. Unearthed tubulars can be dragged to a remote location, retrieved to the surface for transport or processing. On-site processing can be performed using a tensioning device to continuously move a tubular into association with a cutting device, which severs a first portion of the tubular while a second portion remains engaged with the tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventors: Paul D Hawkins, Carbert W Navarre, II
  • Patent number: 9662750
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for attachment to a pipe cutter having a saddle portion is disclosed comprising a first member suitable for mounting to the saddle portion, a second member suitable for mounting to a pipe and a pivoting joint to pivotally connect first member to second member. In another embodiment, an apparatus for attachment to a pipe cutter having a saddle portion is disclosed comprising a first member suitable for mounting to the saddle portion, a second member suitable for mounting to a pipe, a pivoting joint to pivotally connect first member to second member, pipe mounting means to securely mount second member to said pipe, angle adjustment means and at least one fastener to securely fasten first member to the saddle portion of the pipe cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Randy Williams, Frank Williams
  • Patent number: 9492936
    Abstract: Pipe machining apparatuses, such as traveling pipe cutters, are provided. One such pipe machining apparatus may cut or bevel a hollow vessel while traveling around the vessel, and include a frame including a top end and a bottom end with the bottom end adjacent an outer surface of the vessel. The apparatus also includes a cable wrapped around the vessel and a pair of rollers coupled to the frame with each roller defining a groove therein for receiving the cable. Each roller rotates about an axis that extends generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the vessel. The cable is positioned in each groove of the pair of rollers and each axis is positioned between the cable and the outer surface of the vessel. The cable is tensioned to provide a force on the frame in a direction toward the outer surface of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Pierce
  • Patent number: 9321118
    Abstract: A welding device for weld-assembly of first and second parts, defining therebetween a sealing surface, along a weld joint. The device includes: a supporting mechanism configured to move the device along the weld joint; at least one welding mechanism; and an automatic command and control mechanism. The welding mechanism is mounted on a single supporting element oriented substantially parallel to the sealing surface. A first motorized actuator secured to the supporting mechanism includes a first projection cooperating with an open housing in a first end face of the supporting element, and a second motorized actuator secured to the supporting mechanism includes a second projection cooperating with an open housing in a second end face of the supporting element. The first and second projections are movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the sealing surface and generate controlled movement of the supporting element of the welding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SERIMAX
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Dagenais
  • Patent number: 9302353
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting pipe includes a central cutting station formed by a ring member carried on a support at the ground so as to be independent of the pipe with an in-feed conveyor apparatus on one side and an out-feed conveyor apparatus for on the other side. The ring member rotates around the axis of the pipe and carries in the rotation a camera, a cutting device and a welding head. The support assembly provides movement of the ring member transversely to and longitudinally of the axis of the pipe. The cutting head can be tilted to form a bevel on the pipe end. The apparatus is controlled by a control system for controlling rotation of the ring member and longitudinal movement of the support assembly so as to cut the pipe in selected directions for welding of the ends or for cutting pipe pups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Randel Brandstrom
  • Patent number: 9266198
    Abstract: A cart adapted to perform a welding operation on a workpiece, the cart including a moving platform; a first slide supported on the moving platform defining a first slide plane; a second slide pivotally attached to moving platform, the second slide defining a second slide plane; a second clamp engagable with the second slide to hold a pivotal position of the second slide at a selected slide angle relative to the moving platform; an implement supported on the first slide and second slide, wherein operation of the first slide and the second slide move the implement to a selected position relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamil Snead
  • Patent number: 7309464
    Abstract: A lightweight remote controlled carriage apparatus having a frame means composed of a first frame member and a second frame member interconnected by a transverse frame member having a transverse frame member axis; the transverse frame member having a pivot point intermediate a first transverse frame member end and a second transverse frame member end allowing rotation or pivoting, about the axis, of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. Wheel frame means extending orthogonally from the first frame member and the second frame member toward a surface. The wheel frame means receiving remotely controlled motor driven magnetic wheels. The magnetic wheels having a middle plate having at least one magnet on at least one side received into a recessed pocket; at least one outer plate on each side of the middle plate. The middle plate having a circumference providing a traction means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventors: Marty Meissner, Jerry Bobbitt
  • Patent number: 6696012
    Abstract: A torch carriage assembly for use in bevel cutting a pipe has a ring gear which rotates concentrically about the pipe longitudinal axis. A shaft extending perpendicularly from the ring gear carries a torch arm block assembly which positions the cutting torch in relation to the pipe. A bracket is adaptable between a first configuration prohibiting and a second configuration permitting rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis for bevel cutting round pipes and out-of-round pipes, respectively. In the second configuration, a guide wheel assembly mounted on the shaft traces the surface of the pipe. A tension assembly continually urges the guide wheel assembly into contact with the surface of the pipe so that the angular position of the torch arm block assembly accurately reflects the out-of-round conditions of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mathey Dearman, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter B. Theriot
  • Patent number: 5853655
    Abstract: A remote controlled welding and cutting carriage, with an automated positioning arm, to facilitate welding and cutting of flat and curved surfaces including plate and pipe without the use of track, band or similar carriage positioning or guidance mechanisms. Multiple motor driven precision ground magnetic wheel sets align and propel the carriage across a surface. Precision maintenance of magnetic wheel position is facilitated by use of spring steel axles which resist distortion from impacts. A separate magnetic wheel set alignment adjustment is provided to correct magnetic wheel set positioning. The system of motor driven magnetic wheel sets permits the carriage, or carriages, to transport cutting and welding materials required for welding and cutting around the complete circumference of a pipe or other surface regardless of orientation or slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald Glenn Baker
  • Patent number: 5655209
    Abstract: Process for producing multilayer ceramic substrates using greensheet technology and thin dielectric ceramic greensheets for miniaturization purposes. The process avoids the screening of the thin greensheets by forming self-supporting fusible particulate metal electrode layers, interposing them with the thin greensheets and sintering the assembly to form the multilayer substrates such as integrated capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Alfred Casey, John Paul Gauci, Dinesh Gupta, Robert Anthony Rita, Robert J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4757977
    Abstract: An orbital pipe machine guiding system to guide the machine around the circumference of a pipe has a link chain having first and second ends and a length equal to at least the circumference of the pipe and has means to attach the link chain to itself around and against the pipe in a circle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. At least one wheel is operatively connected to the machine, such that when the wheel is positioned for revolving engagement with the link chain, the machine will be guided in the circle defined by the link chain. In one embodiment, the wheel has a continuous slot formed therein extending radially inward from the periphery thereof, and the inside surfaces of the slot slidingly engage the link chain. Any one link chain may be used for several pipe sizes and the fastening arrangement of the link chain is such that surplus chain overlaps a portion of the chain lying against the pipe. The slot in the wheel extends far enough to accommodate such overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventor: Adrian H. Krieg
  • Patent number: 4716271
    Abstract: An apparatus for circumferentially and longitudinally positioning a weld head or other tool with respect to the surface of a pipe. A first annular ring is affixed to the pipe. A longitudinally movable annular indexing track is also circumferentially fitted about the pipe and rides upon a plurality of support rods mounted to the indexing track. The support rods are slidably received within corresponding holes in the clamping ring and extend longitudinally and parallel to the outer surface of the pipe. A motor mounted to the fixed ring drives a ring gear concentric to the fixed ring to reciprocate a ball screw which moves the second longitudinally moveable ring toward and away from the fixed ring. An orbitally moveable third annular ring is circumferentially mounted to the second ring, and a second motor mounted to the fixed ring drives a telescoping drive shaft which rotates the orbital third ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Welding Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip N. Hulsizer, John H. Dahl
  • Patent number: 4570542
    Abstract: An elongate deformable ribbon drive rail for carrying a working apparatus having a toothed drive gear and support mechanism is provided in the form of a first narrow elongate strip of metal of width to carry the support mechanism, a second narrower strip of metal having a regular series of corrugations extending lengthwise thereof fixed to the first strip intermediate its edges at each valley of the second strip and adapted to be engaged by the toothed drive gear while the edges of the first strip engage the support mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Weld Tooling Corporation
    Inventors: Harold E. Cable, Anil N. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 4490909
    Abstract: A travelling pipe cutter for cutting of pipe having a frame defined by a pair of spaced, interconnected plates with guide rollers thereon for movably supporting said frame for travel around a pipe, a gear box positioned between said frame plates and having a feed drive shaft extending from opposite sides thereof and through said adjacent frame plates, chain means extended around the pipe and drivingly connected to drive sprockets at opposite ends of said feed drive shaft, a cutter drive shaft extending from the gear box and through a curved slot in one frame plate and in spaced parallel relation with the feed drive shaft, the gear box being rotatable about the axis of the feed drive shaft relative to the frame to adjust the distance of the cutter drive shaft from the pipe, drive mechanism for rotating the drive shafts including motors mounted for movement with the gear box and gearing in the gear box which interconnects the motors to the drive shafts, and an adjustable connection between the frame and the gea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: The E. H. Wachs Company
    Inventors: Edward H. Wachs, Horst Kwech
  • Patent number: 4469310
    Abstract: An automatic centering pipe beveling machine having a yoke with two leg portions extending from an apex, the angle between the legs of the yoke being X.degree. and the yoke being positionable on a cylinder with the legs in engagement with the cylinder exterior circumferential surface, a frame slideably supported on the yoke and moveable in the plane perpendicular the cylindrical axis and simultaneously in the plane of the cylindrical axis including the yoke apex, the frame having a ring portion supporting a cutting torch, and a feeler extendable perpendicular to the surface of the cylinder received by the yoke and moveable towards the cylinder surface in a fixed relationship with the movement of the frame relative to the yoke, the ratio of movement of the feeler to the movement of the frame being 1 - SinX/2/1 so that the torch supporting circular member is centered with the cylinder when the feeler contacts the surface of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: Hurshel L. Jones
  • Patent number: 4460162
    Abstract: An improved guide for cutting-off and/or bevelling pipe with a torch using a ring-shaped member with circular guide-surfaces fixed around the pipe, includes the ring-shaped member circumference forming axially spaced first and second rim-and-ledge tracks engaged respectively by wheels of frame-mounted outer bogies; inner bogies positioned for running on the inner surface of the ring mount to the outer bogies resiliently to accommodate irregularities in the tracks; the frame has first and second ends for holding torch-carrying depth-adjustment mechanisms with the torch respectively at 37 degrees to the axis of the work and at 90 degrees to the axis of the work, as selected; provisions permitting rotation of the torch about the flame axis and quick attachment-detachment of the torch are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Inventor: Richard W. Rusk
  • Patent number: 4440383
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a pipe tube turn has a frame that may be fixed on the pipe and mounts a cutting torch for movement orbitally of the tube turn's longitudinal axis and in a plane that is at right angles to such axis. The cutting torch is stabilized and guided during its movements by two sets of followers which straddle the torch and engage the tube turn's surface. Each set of followers has a pair of rollers journaled in a common axis and straddling the cut made by the torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventor: Timothy C. Dearman
  • Patent number: 4414041
    Abstract: A guide system for a gas cutting torch used to bevel the ends of pipe in preparation for welding includes a circular sleeve with integral spacer bars coacting with a radial screw for fixing the circular sleeve coaxially around a pipe to be bevelled; the sleeve has an end bevelled at the same angle at which the pipe is to be bevelled; an adjustable follower or torch-holding stepped-spool engages the sleeve bevel to reproduce that bevel angle on the pipe end and engages a groove around the sleeve adjacent the sleeve bevelled end for axial constraint of the gas cutting torch; the coaxial circular form of the stepped spool permits a user to rotate a gas cutting torch about the axis of the flame for better maneuverability without disturbing smoothness of cut; the groove structure defines an open "V"-section groove to permit rocking the torch for burning an initial hole adjacent to but clear of the area to be bevelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Inventor: Richard W. Rusk
  • Patent number: 4405384
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for re-claiming used or damaged tube turns and rendering them equivalent to new tube turns with correctly oriented openings. A salvaged tube turn is temporarily fixed to a platform in a position such that the longitudinal axis of one of tube turn ends is approximately perpendicular to the plane of an adjacent circular track. The platform is moved so that the opening of the tube turn end is near the circular track. The circular track is then accurately centered with respect to the opening by use of a spider or the like which is temporarily fixed to the center of the track. Either the spider (and track) or the tube turn is moved so that the spider engages the interior of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Inventor: George W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4399197
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the cutting of steel pipes and tubes by utilization of a special flexible metal guide in conjunction with a cutting torch. Use of the special flexible metal guide improves the steadiness of the torch, thereby producing a more precise cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Inventor: Arthur E. Vandell
  • Patent number: 4377276
    Abstract: A self-propelling bevel fusion-cutting machine for beveling pipes comprises a machine main body which holds a fusion-cutter, such as a burner, for effecting the bevel fusion-cutting of the end face of a pipe, traveling guide rollers which roll on the pipe end face, and outer roller which rolls circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and an inner roller which rolls circumferentially on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The machine main body is movable along the pipe end face by means of these rollers. The outer or inner roller is removably pressed against the peripheral surface of the pipe and this roller or the other roller is connected to a drive source mounted on the machine main body so as to be thereby driven for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Koei Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kataoka
  • Patent number: 4368876
    Abstract: A self-propelling bevel fusion-cutting machine for beveling pipes has a machine main body which holds a fusion-cutter, such as a burner, for effecting the bevel fusion-cutting of the end face of a pipe, traveling guide rollers which roll on the pipe end face, and outer roller which rolls circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and an inner roller which rolls circumferentially on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The machine main body is movable along the pipe end face by means of these rollers. The outer or inner roller is removably pressed against the peripheral surface of the pipe and this roller or the other roller is connected to a drive source mounted on the machine main body so as to be thereby driven for rotation. This rotatably driven roller has a substantial width and the diameter of its portion located nearer to the pipe end face is greater than that of its portion located remote therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Koei Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kataoka
  • Patent number: 4357002
    Abstract: A pipe cutting device for use in cutting pipe and the like for forming saddle cuts or pass through cuts, in the pipe, having a set of rollers to carry the pipe to be cut between upstanding supporting members of the machine and having adjustable torches mounted on the supporting members for effecting the desired cut, the torches being slidably mounted on a horizontal support extended between said upstanding supports and which is adjustable vertically, so that a double or single cut can be selectively performed. Rollers are mounted on bars and provide three supporting surfaces to receive various sizes of pipe, and protractors or other measuring means, are mounted on the device at each pivot point, for presetting to the desired angle and size of cut. This invention is a modification of the invention patented by me on Mar. 16, 1965, U.S. Pat. No. 3,173,979.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Inventor: Richard J. Steele
  • Patent number: 4345745
    Abstract: A pipe cutter for forming end cuts in pipe, having a pair of annular torch holding members and an annular gear track connected to said members, and an annular vertically adjustable supporting member in which said torch holding members are concentrically mounted, said supporting member being rotatably mounted on vertically adjustable stands, and said stands being mounted on a pivotal base. The torch supporting members, having a cutting torch mounted thereon and a motor for rotating said torch supporting members, are mounted on said vertical supporting member, on rollers, said rollers being provided with braking means to control the speed of rotation of said supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Inventor: Richard J. Steele
  • Patent number: 4330076
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a procedure for replacing a worn bolster ring on a freight car truck bolster which utilizes a motorized circle cutting and welding machine which rests upon the bolster and is centered by supporting structure positioned by locating pins which engage two pairs of mounting holes for the side bearing cages. The worn ring is cut from the bolster by a cutting torch driven around the circumference of the ring by the motorized machine. Then, the replacement ring is placed on the cut bolster surface, centered with respect to the axis of the motorized machine and tack welded, and finally welded to the bolster by a welding head which traverses the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the ring under the control of the motorized machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Inventors: Glen R. Lollis, Marvin G. Marler, Joe P. Car, Sam J. John
  • Patent number: 4312498
    Abstract: A fixture for selectively positioning a tube turn for acetylene torch cutting thereof to a desired included angle includes means for supporting a tube turn of particular dimension and for selectively positioning the tube turn relative to a vertical or horizontal plane of reference and for selectively positioning the tube turn at a particular angle with reference to the selected plane of reference. Means is also provided for orienting a cutting torch for accomplishment of a circular cut through the tube turn, said cut being made in a plane positioned substantially normal to an axis defined by the support structure. The support structure defines an annular tube orienting surface that is adapted to establish annular surface contact with the outer curved surface portion of the tube turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Inventor: Wayland B. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 4260869
    Abstract: Traveling carriage apparatus, adapted to travel along a track disposed about or upon an object, to carry a device such as a welding torch to do work upon the object or upon other apparatus supported thereby. The apparatus is hinged end-to-end, preferably having three hinged-together portions, the angularity at the hinges being adjustable so that the apparatus may travel along a track which is either curved or flat. The apparatus is supported by track-engaging sets of wheels at its opposite ends. A retractable drive wheel assembly is carried by one of the hinged portions of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: Midcon Pipeline Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Clyde M. Slavens, Edward A. Clavin
  • Patent number: 4243868
    Abstract: Gas-shielded, arc welding apparatus for securing a tube to the sidewall of a pipe or the like and facilitating removal of the welding apparatus after completion of the weld includes a locating fixture adapted for clamping engagement with the pipe and for positioning a welding head with rotary guide means coaxially aligned with the tube, a welding torch assembly being supported for rotation upon the guide means and supplied with power during rotation for welding the tube to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: General Atomic Company
    Inventor: Weldon C. Graham
  • Patent number: 4216945
    Abstract: An automatic control means is provided with a pipe cutting and welding apparatus. The control means has a computer which controls the operation of the motors operating the main carriage, the tool heads, and the bracket arms for cutting or welding pipes, plates or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Widder Corporation
    Inventor: Adrian H. Krieg
  • Patent number: 4202535
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control device positioning for a cutting torch, and especially to a device for controlling a cutting torch at angular cutting particularly in pipes and at pipe recessing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Inventor: Allan Eriksson
  • Patent number: 4143862
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting welding or otherwise working pipes, plates and the like, in which a tool is mounted for rotatable movement at an angle to the surface of the workpiece. The tool is carried by a carriage which slidably supports a bracket having a first arm and a second arm. Both arms have optical scanners at one end. One scanner senses the angle the carriage is to be rotated around the pipe and the other the amount of rotation of the tool that determines the angle of attack of the tool relative to the work piece. The scanners sense profile curves, drawn to the desired shape of the surface to be cut, determining the linear movement of the tool and the angle of rotation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignee: Widder Corporation
    Inventor: Adrian H. Krieg
  • Patent number: 4091514
    Abstract: A subsea machine tool for preparing the end of a bare piece of pipe in a subsea location for receiving an overfitting coupling and includes a support assembly adapted for raising and lowering in a body of water. A pipe clamp is attached to each end of the support assembly for clamping the pipe. A split frame is supported by the support assembly for axial travel. A split ring gear assembly is supported by the frame for rotation therein and about the pipe section. The split ring gear is in the form of a spool assembly wherein an involute gear forms one flange of the spool and a face plate forms the other flange. The spool is supported about the exterior thereof by a split fixed ring which in turn is supported by the frame. The fixed ring has mounted thereon one or more hydraulic motors which are arranged for rotating the ring gear relative to the fixed ring. The face plate has mounted thereon for rotation therewith work means in the form of a milling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1978
    Assignee: HydroTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Corroll J. Motes-Conners, Lawrence E. Satterwhite
  • Patent number: 4053145
    Abstract: A guide for a cutting torch providing means for effecting circular cutouts in large vessels or large diameter pipe without the need of a lay-out other than fixing a working point and providing multiple adjustments so that cuts may be made of the desired diameter as well as having the desired bevel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Inventor: Richard J. Steele
  • Patent number: 4051342
    Abstract: A continuous welder automatically moves from one joint to the next along a pipeline of pipes to be welded together, and automatically adapts to pipes of different diameter. At each joint, a wire-fed welding nozzle revolves around the pipes to weld the pipes together, the welding nozzle making a root pass, an overlap pass, and a wash pass, to complete a permanent weld at the joint. During each pass the welding nozzle is oscillated in a different path by selectable oscillating apparatus therefor, the particular oscillating apparatus utilized being automatically changed on each pass. The welding nozzle revolves around the pipes under the power of rotating planetary gear sets which are engaged with mounting rings for the gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Potomac Applied Mechanics, Inc.
    Inventor: James Henry Stubbings
  • Patent number: 4007705
    Abstract: Apparatus for temporary positioning about a cylindrical object such as an underwater pipeline or the like for mounting and indexing a tool across the surface of the pipeline for treating same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Assignee: DND Corporation
    Inventors: C. Richard Sherer, Jack Webber
  • Patent number: 3975003
    Abstract: A pipe cutter including a wheeled carriage which mounts a torch and rolls circumferentially about a pipe so that the torch can progressively make a cut thereabout. The carriage may be held snugly to the pipe by a chain or rope and take-up mechanism, and be advanced about the pipe by a crank unit detachably mounted to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1973
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1976
    Inventor: Wesley E. Buford