Abstract: A system includes an abrasion assembly containing one or more abrasion pads configured to clean a faying surface of multiple nutplates, and a shaft attached to at least one of the abrasion pads and configured to rotate some or all of the abrasion pads during cleaning, wherein cleaning includes abrading the faying surfaces with the abrasion pads. The system also includes a base configured to attach to a pressure applicator, and a pressure applicator configured to attach to the base, hold the nutplates such that the faying surface of each nutplate is capable of contacting one of the abrasion pads, and apply pressure to the nutplates such that each of the nutplates contact one of the abrasion pads during the cleaning. Furthermore, the abrasion assembly is configured to rotate the abrasion pads within at least one of the base and the pressure applicator during cleaning.

Abstract: A system includes an abrasion component containing an abrasion pad configured to clean a faying surface of a nutplate and a shaft attached to the abrasion pad and configured to rotate the shaft and the abrasion pad during cleaning of the nutplate, which includes abrading the faying surface with the abrasion pad. The system further includes a base configured to attach to a pressure applicator, and the pressure applicator, which is configured to attach to the base, hold the nutplate such that the faying surface is capable of contacting the abrasion pad during the cleaning of the nutplate, and apply pressure to the nutplate such that the nutplate contacts the abrasion pad during the cleaning of the nutplate. Furthermore, the abrasion component is configured to rotate the abrasion pad within at least one of the base and the pressure applicator during the cleaning of the nutplate.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing boiler tubes includes a first spindle for receiving a first tube having a first weld preparation, a second spindle for receiving a second tube having a second weld preparation, the first spindle and the second spindle being rotatable synchronously, and a welding device having a first weld head. The welding device is configured to automatically weld the first tube to the second tube according to a control routine stored in memory to produce a boiler tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gantry cutting machine for pipe and flat plate, including a cutting assembly, a plate cutting mechanism, a pipe cutting mechanism and a crossbeam. The crossbeam is provided with a transverse driving unit. The cutting assembly is connected to the crossbeam. A cutting assembly mounting base is provided with a lifting-driving unit. The transverse driving unit includes a first gear, a first rack, a first motor and a first rail. The present invention provides a gantry cutting machine for pipe and flat plate to meet the demands in the field of numerically controlled cutting and machining of pipe products, which has a simple operation and is easy to use, and the clamping is flexible, so that the processing cost of pipe products can be reduced, and cutting and machining range of the numerically controlled cutting machine can be broadened.

Abstract: An assistive device for heavy tool operation includes a rectangular frame and four legs extending from the corners of the frame. A tool base can extend through a slot in the frame. The tool base is configured to support a mechanical support arm and tool. A height and horizontal position of the tool base relative to the frame is adjustable. Each leg is connected to a wheel to allow the assistive device to travel with a user. The assistive device can support a majority, if not all, of the weight of an attached heavy tool and mechanical support arm, while allowing the user to operate the tool and adjust its position with minimal applied force.

Abstract: A multi-wheel grinder tool provides multiple grinding wheels and polishing pads arranged in a single row, and moving along an edge of a stone slab. The tool is effective for increasing the longitudinal surface area for grinding across the edge of a stone slab. The wheels rotatably grind the edge of the slab while simultaneously moving along the longitudinal axis. As the wheels pass along the longitudinal axis, the pad rotatably engage the edge. The edge of the slab is in contact with each pad from all the wheels. A control wheel is powered by a motor via a gear system and a control axle. Outer wheels are in rotatable communication with the control wheel and run counter to each other. By using multiple wheels, grinding is expedited. The wheels have pads with successive grits. A first pad has course grinding grits. A last pad has fine polishing.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for setting, maintaining, and adjusting a cable tension in a telerobotic surgical system are provided. A cable tensioning apparatus includes, in one example, an arm, a pulley rotatably coupled to the arm, and a base operably coupled to the arm, the base including a translation mechanism for changing the position of the pulley to control a tension of a cable movable along the pulley. A termination block includes, in one example, a block including two cable pathways with each cable pathway having a retaining means for a ball fitting, and a support for moving a cable along the two cable pathways, the cable including a ball fitting in each of the cable pathways.

Abstract: Plasma arc cutter apparatus for cutting large diameter pipe from within the pipe, a frame with adjustable legs, a locking device to secure the apparatus within the pipe, apparatus to adjust the spacing between the plasma arc and the inside wall of the pipe during cutting, a drive shaft to rotate the cutter apparatus around the circumference of the pipe during cutting, controls to change the elevation of the drive shaft to vary the angle of cut, and adjustment devices to center the drive shaft within the pipe.

Abstract: A profiled end cut is applied to a length of stock pipe in an apparatus wherein the pipe is rotated by a drive head with a plasma cutter moved axially on a trolley in synchrony with rotation under control of a guidance system. The guidance system follows a desired pattern to effect two adjoining end cuts in a single continuous operation. Pipe handling is effected by two sets of rollers, a support set permitting rotation and a lifting set to enable axial movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a series of patterns spaced along the length of a tubular member (e.g. drill collar). A cutting torch is positioned and manuevered within the bore of the pipe so that all cutting is done in an inside-to-outside direction. All slag formed by the cutting action is blown away from the pipe and does not collect within the pipe bore as in previous cutting operations of this type. Further, since there is no cross-wash of the torch, there is no substantially no heat buildup in the pipe during cutting which allows proper preheating of the pipe thereby alleviating cold cuts in the pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a work function on a tubular workpiece includes a support frame movable along an X-axis, a bracket on the frame movable toward and away from the workpiece along a Z-axis, a support arm mounted on the bracket for movement about a swival axis lying in the Z-direction, a carriage mounted on the arm for movement therealong in a Y-direction, a workpiece implement mounted on the carriage for movement together therewith and about a tilting axis lying in the X-direction, and the workpiece implement being capable of adjustment along its central axis, the support arm lying in a plane containing the swivel axis and perpendicular to the tilting axis.

Abstract: Helical coil springs for use in such active load supporting functions as railway car trucks, require end forming such that tapered ends are provided which fit flat against the surfaces to be resiliently supported. A process and an apparatus for forming such spring ends by flame cutting is provided.

Abstract: A pipe cutting machine capable of cutting saddles and mitres and combinations of saddles and mitres is disclosed. The machine uses the rotation of the pipe itself to power a cam drive assembly. The cam drive assembly powers a saddle cam and a mitre cam. The saddle cam and the mitre cam may be set such that a specific mitre cut, saddle cut, or combination of saddle and mitre cut may be accomplished. A cable assembly translates the rotation of the saddle and mitre cams to a torch carriage. The torch carriage in turn translates its movement concurrently to the torch itself, thereby cutting the exact saddle, mitre, or combination of saddle and mitre cut desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing especially heavy metal tubes comprises a frame supported by wheels, the frame having a plurality of supports consisting of rollers which may together support the tube to be processed. With a support which is quickly movable along the frame a bearer is associated which carries a processing tool, e.g. a grinding cross cut machine, as well as driving means for mechanically putting the tube into rotation during a processing operation. The driving means may also be used for giving the tube a longitudinal movement during simultaneous rotation thereof.

Abstract: A method of finishing an annular component such as a brush seal to a substantially uniform wall thickness, and apparatus therefor. Two rollers are mounted with their axes parallel, one roller being spatially fixed and the other biassed by a spring towards said one roller, whereby the annular article may be held therebetween. A machining operation, such as centerless grinding or centerless electro-discharge errosion is performed on the article as the article is turned by power-driving at least one of the two rollers, the machining operation using the spatially fixed roller as a reference surface for the machining.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a pipe. A pipe is positioned on a plurality of support rollers for rotating the pipe. A cutting torch, mounted on a telescoping arm, is movable along the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The angle that the cutting torch makes with the surface of the pipe is varied by rotating the cutting torch along an arcuate path that is in a plane parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The cutting torch is directed towards the radial center of the arcuate path that is on the surface of the pipe. Servo motors selectively vary the rotational angle of the pipe, the position of the cutting torch and the angle of the cutting torch. A computer automatically controls the operation of the servo motors with the aid of a pre-programmed mathematical function. The mathematical function uses characteristic data for the pipe and feedback data from the servo motors.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a metal workpiece including pipe in any desired shape and in a cutting cycle governed by a numerical controller having a plurality of separate output control signal channels. The apparatus is highly versatile and automatically operable to cut any preselected contour in accordance with control or program instructions carried on a control tape. In an illustrative embodiment of the cutting apparatus, a metal cutting torch is supported on a first support and the workpiece to be cut is mounted on a second support so arranged relative to the first support that the relative movement between the workpiece and the torch allows a cut to be made along X and Y axes at right angles to one another. The cutting torch is power driven about its own longitudinal or W axis by a reversible motor and is power driven about a fourth or Z axis to vary the bevel of the cut.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting the end off a metal strip wound as a coil having a diameter lying between a predetermined maximum diameter and a predetermined minimum diameter has a fixed support, a substantially horizontal support cradle for the coil on the support, a cutter on the support defining a vertically open gap spaced from the cradle for cutting the strip along a horizontal cutting plane as the strip passes down through the gap, and a guide on the support above and to one side of the gap between same and the cradle. An inner pivot arm is pivoted on the support about a horizontal inner axis and has an outer end on which is pivoted an outer pivot arm about a horizontal outer axis and having an outer end carrying a pusher, and an actuator connected between the arms and the support or frame for displacing this pusher horizontally and vertically above the plane of the cutter relative to the guide for urging the pusher against the strip at the guide at any of several vertically offset locations therealong.

Abstract: The cutting apparatus is used to cut a hole in a workpiece such as a pipe of relatively large thickness. The burner is mounted on a carriage which is reciprocated along a radially directed carrier which rotates about an axis perpendicular to the carrier. Reciprocation of the carriage is controlled as a function of the rotation of the carrier about the axis. In addition, a cam causes pivoting of the burner in accordance with the reciprocation of the carriage along the carrier. Operation of the apparatus is such that the tip of the burner is held at a constant distance from the surface of the workpiece. A motor is also provided for moving the burner longitudinally of its axis.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable headstocks which are spaced apart. A side beam extends along at least a portion of the distance between the headstocks with the side beam being substantially parallel to a line connecting the centers of rotation of the headstock. The headstocks are respectively of a configuration to securely receive an end of a first one of a plurality of cylindrical workpieces. Support means is provided for rotatably supporting the plurality of cylindrical workpieces in end-to-end manner with the longitudinal axes thereof being substantially coincident. Controllable welding means and controllable cutting means are coupled to the side beam and are capable of linear translation therealong. Controllable drive means is provided for: rotating the headstocks so that the cylindrical workpiece secured thereto is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis; causing the welding means to translate along the side beam; and causing the cutting means to translate along the side beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting notches in the outer surface of a cylindrical drum includes a machine frame, and a laser cutting set which provides a laser beam to cut the notches in the drum. The notches are provided to allow sheet steel strips to be later fitted on the drum, and thus form a cutting tool useful in the production of collapsible box blanks. The apparatus also includes a movable carriage for supporting the laser cutting set, and a mounting shaft is supported by the carriage for rotatably supporting the drum. A drive wheel, coaxially fitted to the mounting shaft, rotates the shaft, and the drive wheel has an engagement surface which corresponds to a cutting edge diameter later defined by the positions which the cutting edges of the steel strips assume beyond the outer circumferential surface of the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for shaping an end of a tube in a configuration such that it may be joined to the surface of another body as by welding. The method disclosed involves profiling the end of a tube to conform to the surface of a body to which the tube end is to be joined, with a notional line on the end face that corresponds to the theoretical line of contact of the tube and body, cutting the tube wall at the profiled end to provide a beveled surface over the face of the end to the outer peripheral surface of the tube, and controlling the cutting so that the bevel surface formed progresses inwardly through the tube wall thickness to form a transition line on the profiled end face that substantially follows the notional line of contact between the innermost and the outermost peripheral edges of the profiled end face.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for marking and/or cutting a pipe. The device includes a fixture for clamping one of the pipe fittings in a desired position relative to an axis passing through the pivot center of a projecting boom to which an effecting element is afixed in such a way to follow the outside of the wall of the pipe fitting at a present distance from the axis, preferably matching the radius of the other pipe fitting, as the projecting boom pivots about its pivot center.

Abstract: A mechanized truck bolster ring renewal system is described for cutting the worn bolster ring from a truck bolster and for welding a new bolster ring onto the truck bolster. A bolster clamp mechanism is pivotally mounted on a frame and includes means for centering the truck bolster as well as clamping the truck bolster thereon. A hydraulic cylinder is provided for pivotally moving the bolster clamp from a horizontally disposed position to a vertically disposed position. Apparatus is provided for permitting the selective rotation of the bolster clamp and the bolster thereon. A cutting torch is mounted on a horizontally movable arm and is moved in place adjacent the bolster ring. The cutting torch is ignited and cuts the ring from the truck bolster as the bolster clamp rotates. After the worn ring has been cut from the truck bolster, the torch assembly is removed from the horizontally extending arm with a ring mandrel being installed thereon.

Abstract: A welding machine can form continuous welds of three hundred and sixty degrees on workpieces which are rotated through angles of less than three hundred and sixty degrees by moving the welding torch of that welding machine in one direction circumferentially of those workpieces while those workpieces are being rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rebuilding the internal surface of a cylindrical object, including a mandrel for supporting the object for rotation about its longitudinal axis, and a wire-fed welding torch positionable adjacent to the interior surface of the object. The welding torch is movable axially with respect to the object during the rotation thereof, so as to deposit material about the interior of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and beveling pipe comprising a horizontally positioned and movable member, roller means to support and axially rotate a horizontal pipe parallel to the member, a photocell scanner mounted on the member and positioned to follow a profile template circumscribing a pipe on the roller means, drive means, responsive to a signal from the photocell scanner, adapted to move the member horizontally in either axial direction as the photocell scanner follows the profile template, a cutting torch pivotally supported by a mounting on the member and positioned to cut through a pipe, rotating axially on the roller means, in a cutting path having the same profile as the template, a support on the member movable axially of a pipe on the roller means, a second photocell scanner mounted on the movable support and positioned to follow a bevel contour template circumscribing a pipe on the roller means, an arm extending from the support and pivotally connected with the cutting torch, and drive means, responsi

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a pipe end for intersection with another surface comprising a horizontally positioned and movable boom, roller means to support and axially rotate a horizontal pipe parallel to the boom, a photocell scanner mounted on the boom and positioned to follow a template circumscribing a pipe on the roller means, drive means responsive to a signal from the photocell scanner, adapted to move the boom horizontally in either axial direction as the photocell scanner follows the template, and a cutting torch movably supported by a mounting on the boom and positioned to cut through a pipe, rotating axially on the roller means, in a cutting path having the same contour as the template.

Abstract: Pipe fittings are prepared for re-use by accurately re-beveling the pipe edges which are subsequently to be re-welded. A rotating table is provided with concentric rings which build up in height toward the center in order to accommodate the open end of various size fittings. A hand-crank is coupled to the rotary table to permit controlled rotation of a fitting being reconditioned. A vertically adjustable bracket is adapted to support a cutting torch directed at a predetermined angle, according to the bevel desired, proximate the upper end of the fitting. The table is then rotated with the crank through a full revolution in order to bevel the surface at which the torch is directed. As needed, the fitting may be inverted to refurbish a second end, and adapters may be provided to accommodate tees, elbows and the like.

Abstract: A pipe having a guide pattern or template mounted on and surrounding it is rotatable about its longitudinal axis while a pattern follower actuates a cutting or welding tool to move longitudinally as the pipe rotates. The follower and tool are carried by a frame supported on the pipe by rollers. The frame is mounted on a support for universal tilting and for horizontal sliding in one direction to ensure that the follower and tool bear a constant relationship to the pipe irrespective of any undulations or out-of-round features of the pipe.

Abstract: A boom carrying a cutting torch is synchronized with a turntable and the torch is mounted to follow an arcuate slide and is synchronized with the turntable to make a mitred cut on the pipe and form a constant angle bevel on the mitered cut.

Abstract: A flame-cutting apparatus comprising a burner guided for movement around a rotating pipe to travel along a curved path along the surface of the pipe corresponding to the line of intersection of two pipes. The burner is pivotably supported on a guide for movement about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the jet flame of the burner. A template corresponding to a chamfer to be produced in the surface of the element being cut by the jet flame includes two parts, one being pivotable with respect to the other about an axis common to both parts. A scanner rotates at an angular velocity corresponding to the angular velocity of rotation of the pipe being cut and the template is resiliently urged against the scanner to be axially displaced thereby and to transmit such displacement through a mechanism to effect pivotal movement of the burner to produce the desired chamfer of the cut edge of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic cutting torch assembly for making cuts of any predetermined shape in a metallic pipe. Rollers are provided for the pipe to be processed which permit back and forth movement of the pipe. A photoelectric tracer unit and a cutting torch are mounted on a longitudinally extending bar which is also movable back and forth. The tracer unit and cutting torch are aligned with the axis of the pipe and are adjustable so as to be brought in close proximity to the pipe regardless of the size of the pipe. A pattern line is placed on the pipe and the tracking of the line by the tracer unit results in providing the correct cutting locus for the torch. A resolver unit senses the instantaneous angular position of the tracer unit and translates the sensed signal into two signals which correspond to the circumferential and angular components of the sensed angular position.