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Work On Tubes Patents (Class 29/33T)

Method for expansion forming of tubing


Patent number: 6154944
Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank
within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of
smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the
rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross
sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid
pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner
portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 21, 1998
Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
Assignee: TI Corporate Services Limited
Inventors: Murray R. Mason, Gerrald A. Klages
Continuous process for forming structure suitable for use as a core member
Patent number: 6125540
Abstract: Core-type structures are formed in a continuous process by assembling cut tubes or sheets of a thermoplastic
material that are aligned, cut into separate continuous structures which are then subsequently cut into separate structures
suitable for use as a core member.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 17, 1998
Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
Assignee: Newcourt, Inc.
Inventors: Calvin L. Court, Tawne L. Castorina, Calvin L. Court, Melvin T. Court
Method and apparatus for cutting tubing
Patent number: 6061905
Abstract: The slow production rates associated with cutting machines for cutting extruded metal tubing to length are
avoided in an apparatus that continually cuts extruded metal tubing (46) and which include a reel (44) for providing a coil
of (42) of metal tubing (46) to a cutting nip defined by rollers (66) carrying scoring knives (68). The tubing is
continuously moved through the nip by a continuously operated set of feeding rolls (70) and then passed to a set of pull
rolls (74) which are driven at a more rapid rate to place the tubing (46) in tension to cause it to be severed where scored.
Also disclosed is a method of continuously cutting extruded metal tubing.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 20, 1994

Date of Patent: May 16, 2000


Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
Inventor: Jeff Logic
Apparatus for manufacturing a housing for a perforating gun
Patent number: 6035502
Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a machined article from an elongated tubular workpiece is disclosed. A
machining device is movable within a work area of the apparatus and a movable base having first and second spaced apart
clamps secure a section of the article. A stationary third clamp is mounted independent of the movable base for holding
the article in a stationary position relative to the movable base. A conveyor permits positioning of the article relative to the
clamps.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 9, 1998
Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
Assignee: Prime Perforating Systems Limited
Inventors: Norman Gerald Lussier, Michael Norman Lussier
Boiler tube removal apparatus
Patent number: 5974642
Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing the severed end-portions of boiler tubes installed and retained in a boiler
header without consequential boiler header metal damage and in a manner whereby a compression gap of uniform width
is machined throughout the length and thickness of each retained boiler tube end-portion selected for removal, the
machined boiler tube end-portion is subsequently compressed to significantly close the machined compression gap and
reduce the tube end cross-sectional circumference, and the compressed tube end is withdrawn longitudinally from
engagement with the boiler header tube-mounting bore.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 9, 1998
Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
Assignee: Advanced Cutting Technologies, Inc.
Inventors: Bruce V. Weeks, Richard Arthur, Gary E. Ingram
Apparatus for producing rigid elongated member for use in vehicles
Patent number: 5926930
Abstract: An apparatus producing an elongated member having a main body portion and terminal portions extending form
ends thereof includes bending an elongated strip between circumferential faces of first forming rolls and second forming
rolls having parallel central rotational axes. The circumferential faces of the first forming rolls include annular main body
portion bending sections that form the main body portion in the strip and adjacent transition portion bending sections that
form adjacent transition portions in the strip, thereby forming an intermediate stage elongated member. The transition

portions have a cross-section that changes continuously from the annular cross-section of the main body portion to a
different cross-section of the terminal portions.
Type: Grant
Filed: December 31, 1997
Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
Assignee: Hashimoto Forming Industry Co., Ltd.
Inventors: Tatsuya Tamura, Toshio Ohkura, Yuko Kano
Combined processing apparatus
Patent number: 5909908
Abstract: A combined processing apparatus includes a punching mechanism having a punch or a drill for punching in a
hollow material, and a bending mechanism for bending the hollow material. A core bar is inserted into the hollow
material. The core bar is provided with a recess portion in correspondence to a position of the punch or the drill, which
serves as a die upon punching a hole in the hollow material.
Type: Grant
Filed: September 16, 1997
Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Inventor: Yoshinobu Furuse
Drum processing apparatus
Patent number: 5884379
Abstract: An apparatus for processing the cylindrical shells of drums, which comprises a cradle sized for reception in
embracing relation with the shell, the shell having a longitudinal axis, the cradle having support structure to clamp a
cylindrical surface of the shell and at lengthwise locations, for supporting the shell; structure operatively coupled to the
cradle to effect displacement of the support structure to clamp the shell surface; structure for rotating the cradle about an
axis corresponding to the drum shell axis, thereby to rotate the shell about the axis; and tooling facing the shell to engage
and process the shell as it rotates.
Type: Grant
Filed: April 11, 1997
Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
Inventor: Donald G. Lombardi
Extended jacket end, double expansion hydroforming
Patent number: 5836065

Abstract: Hydroforming double wall tubular stock into an air gap tubular element comprising providing a plural wall
tubular workpiece having at least an inner wall liner and an outer wall jacket having adjacent open axial ends, causing at
least one of the jacket ends to extend axially beyond the adjacent liner end and to be flared outwardly, placing the
workpiece into a first mold cavity of a size and configuration to result in the desired size and configuration of the liner,
sealing the open ends of said liner, injecting hydroforming fluid into said liner to fill it and applying pressure thereto to
expand the liner and jacket in the first mold cavity, releasing the pressure, placing the workpiece in a second mold cavity
of a size and configuration desired for the jacket on a resulting air gap tubular element, providing hydroforming end
closures to seal off the jacket ends, at least one of the end closures having an annular shoulder aligned with the flared
extended jacket end radially outwardly offset from the adjacent
Type: Grant
Filed: September 26, 1996
Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
Assignee: Benteler Automotive Corporation
Inventors: James R. Dehlinger, Roger A. Crawford, Wallace J. Poole, Robert A. Shaffer, Donald R. VandePolder
Apparatus for expansion forming of tubing forming of tubing
Patent number: 5815901
Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank
within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of
smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the
rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross
sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid
pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner
portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 28, 1997
Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
Inventors: Murray R. Mason, Gerrald A. Klages
Tube connecting apparatus
Patent number: 5802689
Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus includes first and second tube holders holding flexible tubes, a cutting blade for
heating, melting and cutting the tubes held by the holders between the holders, and a holder displacing mechanism for
relatively displacing the second holder to the first holder to closely contact and connect cutting ends of the tubes each
other. Each of the first and second tube holders has a tube holding portion which holds the tubes in a state that the circular
cylindrical surfaces of the tubes which are contacting each other.
Type: Grant
Filed: December 4, 1996
Date of Patent: September 8, 1998

Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha


Inventor: Hiroaki Sano
Tube expander with force sensor
Patent number: 5752313
Abstract: An apparatus for expanding the tubes in a heat exchanger of the plate fin and tube type. The expander is of the
type that expands the tubes by driving a "bullet" through the tube with the bullet being attached to and driven by an
expander or bullet rod. The apparatus has a sensor positioned so as to be able to measure the compressive force on the
expander rod. The output of the sensor is proportional to the force exerted on the rod and can be used to provide an alarm
or safety shutdown of the apparatus upon the sensing of excessive force on the expander rod. The sensor output can also
be used for quality and process control.
Type: Grant
Filed: December 20, 1993
Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
Assignee: Carrier Corporation
Inventors: Daniel P. Gaffaney, Steven J. Spencer
Tube transfer device
Patent number: 5752312
Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to
an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the
processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from
one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first
position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes
movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while
maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.
Type: Grant
Filed: September 30, 1996
Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
Assignee: Burr Oak Tool & Gauge Company, Inc.
Inventors: Galen B. Harman, Derrick S. Small
Apparatus for interior painting of tubing during continuous formation
Patent number: 5718027
Abstract: An improvement is accomplished in apparatus for the continuous production of tubing from tubing stock, and
like, elongated, closed structures from appropriate stocks. The apparatus includes welding means for continuously
welding the tubing stock to form the tubing, with the welding occurring at a welding station. Downstream of the welding
station are stations for the further processing of the tubing after welding, which generate conditions adverse to interior

coatings. In apparatus as described, the improvement comprises several inventive features. A spray head provides for
spraying of coating, and fits within the tubing. An elongated, flexible lance locates the spraying means downstream of the
processing stations which generate adverse interior coating conditions, by introduction of the spray head into the tubing
interior upstream of the welding station, and after introduction, movement of the spray head into the desired downstream
position.
Type: Grant
Filed: September 23, 1996
Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
Assignee: Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation
Inventor: Bruce E. Laumann
Core router and method
Patent number: 5678965
Abstract: A device and method are provided for reducing a length of an annular core on which a roll is mounted. If the
core extends beyond the end of the roll, the roll is unstable when it is stacked. This device and method will trim the length
of the core extending beyond the end of the roll to provide a flat face across the entire end of the roll. A stable stacking
arrangement will therefore be ensured. The router includes a collar, a router bit and a transparent disk or plate mounted
thereon. The router bit will chip away the portion of the core which extends beyond the end of the roll. A vacuum can be
operatively attached to the router in order to remove chips formed by the router bit. The collar on the router will keep the
bit spaced from the roll to prevent damage to the roll. This collar and the transparent disk or plate will also aid in guiding
the router.
Type: Grant
Filed: March 21, 1996
Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
Assignee: Appleton Papers Incorporated
Inventor: Joseph A. Strick
Method for cutting tubing
Patent number: 5653022
Abstract: The slow production rates associated with cutting machines for cutting extruded metal tubing to length are
avoided in an apparatus that continually cuts extruded metal tubing (46) and which include a reel (44) for providing a coil
of (42) of metal tubing (46) to a cutting nip defined by rollers (66) carrying scoring knives (68). The tubing is
continuously moved through the nip by a continuously operated set of feeding rolls (70) and then passed to a set of pull
rolls (74) which are driven at a more rapid rate to place the tubing (46) in tension to cause it to be severed where scored.
Also disclosed is a method of continuously cutting extruded metal tubing.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 3, 1995
Date of Patent: August 5, 1997

Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company


Inventor: Jeff Logic
Method for expansion forming of tubing
Patent number: 5644829
Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank
within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of
smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the
rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross
sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid
pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner
portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.
Type: Grant
Filed: December 5, 1995
Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
Assignee: T I Corporate Services Limited
Inventors: Murray R. Mason, Gerrald A. Klages
Tube cutter/bender to lacer transfer station
Patent number: 5632080
Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to
an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the
processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from
one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first
position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes
movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while
maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 26, 1994
Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
Assignee: Burr Oak Tool & Gauge Company, Inc.
Inventors: Galen B. Harman, Derrick S. Small
Apparatus and method for producing pipe and pipe produced thereby
Patent number: 5606786
Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating corrugated plastic pipe from the inside of the pipe to the outside and
the pipe produced by the method. The apparatus has a perforating device attached to an elongated support member.
Perforations are created by advancing pipe over the perforating device or by advancing the perforating device into the

interior of the pipe. Where the pipe is advanced over the perforating device, a carriage, holding the pipe, is riding on a
track which guides the pipe into engagement or into cutting or perforating proximity with the perforating device. The
perforating device includes a housing holding motors with cutters attached to them. The cutters cut the inner corrugations
or the valleys of the pipe as the pipe is passed over the perforating device. Pipe is perforated by advancing it over a
perforating device, and curing the pipe from the inner pipe surface to the outer pipe surface.
Type: Grant
Filed: September 29, 1995
Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
Inventor: David W. Presby
Controlled time-overlapped hydroforming
Patent number: 5582052
Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydroforming a dual wall conduit having a controlled size gap between the walls, a
frame having an upper crown and a lower bed defining a hydroforming space therebetween, the bed having a slideway
extending from the space to a load-unload-preform position out of the space. A mold assembly on the slideway has a
lower platen and an upper platen defining at least two hydroforming cavities, one cavity being an elongated preform and
semi-finish cavity, and the other cavity being an elongated finish cavity. Mold shifting means is positioned for shifting the
mold assembly on the slideway from the position in the space between the crown and bed, to and from the forward loadunload-preform position. Mold closing and preforming hydraulic cylinders are operably connected to the upper mold
platen for closing the upper platen onto the lower platen and creating mechanical preforming on dual wall tubular stock in
the preform and semi-finish form cavity.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 12, 1994
Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
Assignee: Benteler Industries, Inc.
Inventor: Donald R. Rigsby
Tube slitting traveler
Patent number: 5575065
Abstract: A tube traveler and slitter for extracting a tube from a heat exchanger tubesheet and slitting the tube
longitudinally into two segments includes two spaced apart deforming rolls having a nip between the peripheries defining
a passageway. The periphery of each roll is serrated and has a cylindrical central portion of a larger diameter than the
remainder of the periphery, and a cylindrical portion spaced from the central portion at each end of the roller, a truncated
conical surface being between the cylindrical portions. The rollers extract and deform the tube into a configuration having
a flattened central portion and a bulbous configuration at each edge. A rotary slitter blade is positioned for engaging and
slitting each edge longitudinally. The axis of rotation of the slitter blades is downstream from the axes of rotation of the
rolls.
Type: Grant
Filed: November 27, 1995

Date of Patent: November 19, 1996


Assignee: Retubeco, Inc.
Inventor: Richard T. Harris
Apparatus for disposing of sodium sulfur cells
Patent number: 5543242
Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of a plurality of sodium sulfur cells is disclosed, which comprises: a work-setting
pipe unit including a plurality of cell-holding pipes, a work-setting station for setting the cells into the work-setting pipe
unit, a heating oil vessel, a sodium-extracting station, an inner tube-extracting station, an unloading station where the
remaining sodium sulfur cells are unloading from the work-setting pipe unit, and a transferring unit for transferring said
work-setting pipe unit among said stations.
Type: Grant
Filed: March 7, 1994
Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
Inventors: Tomonori Tsuchimoto, Katsuichi Iwata, Yoshihiko Kurashima
Machine for tapering pipe ends with different diameters
Patent number: 5531006
Abstract: A machine for tapering pipe ends with different diameters including a feeding conveyor, a platform, a gripping
mechanism mounted at one side of the feeding conveyor and mounted on the platform, the gripping mechanism including
a frame provided with two vertical racks, a horizontal rack between lower ends of the vertical racks, an upper clamp
slidably mounted on an upper portion of the two vertical racks, a lower clamp slidably mounted on a lower portion of the
two vertical racks, a first hydraulic cylinder installed on a top of the frame and drivingly connected with the upper clamp,
a second hydraulic cylinder mounted on one vertical side of the frame and drivingly connected with a lower sliding
wedge, an upper sliding wedge arranged on the lower sliding wedge, an axle mounted on a rear side of the frame and
connected with an arm, a third hydraulic cylinder mounted on the platform and connected with an end of the arm, another
end of the arm being connected with a triggering rod ad a sensor, and a head stock m
Type: Grant
Filed: December 20, 1994
Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
Inventor: Lee T. Shing
Multi-stage dual wall hydroforming
Patent number: 5475911
Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of forming a dual tube conduit having a predetermined outer tube dimension, a
predetermined inner tube dimension, and a predetermined gap between the tubes. A dual tube workpiece may be initially
bent in one or more zones to a desired nonlinear configuration, the inner and outer tubes are hydroform expanded

simultaneously to obtain the selected inner tube dimension, and the outer tube is then hydroform expanded to the desired
outer tube dimension and to the desired gap therebetween, while the inner tube is held constant.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 18, 1994
Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
Inventors: Gary L. Wells, James R. Dehlinger, Donald R. Rigsby
Tube slicing technique
Patent number: 5472126
Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for severing flat tubing. A length of tubing is gripped at longitudinally spaced
apart locations and the tubing is deeply scored by rapidly rotating circular cutters which are moved across the faces of the
tubing at a predetermined linear velocity. The angular velocity of the circular cutters greatly exceeds the linear velocity of
traversal. An axial force is applied to separate the tubing.
Type: Grant
Filed: December 16, 1993
Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
Assignee: Crown Unlimited Machine, Inc.
Inventors: Steven L. Stroup, Sr., Steven L. Stroup, II
Method and apparatus for separating tubing
Patent number: 5450668
Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating thin-walled flat metal tubing are disclosed. The tubing has flat upper and
lower walls joined by end walls. The tubing is partially severed by providing relative movement between the tubing and
opposed cutting blades having straight or slightly curved cutting edges. The relative movement is transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the tubing, and the straight slicing edges, or the chords of curved slicing blades, form a small acute
angle with respect to the flat faces of the tubing. The tubing is completely severed by applying an axial force to the tubing.
Pressing heads follow the slicing blades to press any burrs back into the tubing.
Type: Grant
Filed: December 21, 1993
Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
Assignee: Crown Unlimited Machine, Inc.
Inventor: Steven L. Stroup, Sr.
Cylinder rounding/holding tool
Patent number: 5444902

Abstract: A cylinder rounding/holding tool that is positioned in the center of the rotary table and bolted to a base plate for
rigidity. The tool is formed from a metal frame that is circular on the inside diameter to form a locating boss and has flats
on the exterior corresponding to the number of shoes required for the application. At each flat is a shoe that has two
mechanical jacks (one at each end of the shoe) and a center guide tube. The jacks are powered by DC electric stepper
motors that allow precise radial displacement of the shoes. The center guide tubes provide circumferential and axial load
carrying capability and stability for the tool. The shoes are replaceable to allow machining to match the inner diameter of
the cylinder being rounded. A computer controller may be used to control the stepper motors and a linear variable
displacement transducer may be used for input to the computer controller and a real time feedback loop for roundness
condition of the cylinder.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 29, 1994
Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Inventors: Scott E. Casturo, P. E. Lewis, E. V. Harlow, Gerald L. Olsen, E. Rod Hensley, Keith M. Wing
Method and apparatus for separating tubing
Patent number: 5388745
Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating thin-walled flat metal tubing are disclosed. The tubing has flat upper and
lower walls joined by end walls. The tubing is partially severed by providing relative movement between the tubing and
opposed cutting blades having straight cutting edges. The relative movement is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
tubing, and the straight cutting edges of the blades form a small acute angle with respect to the flat faces of the tubing.
The tubing is completely severed by applying an axial force to the tubing.
Type: Grant
Filed: January 18, 1994
Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
Inventor: Steven L. Stroup, Sr.
Bicycle downtube processing machine
Patent number: 5377397
Abstract: A bicycle downtube processing machine includes a drill unit for drilling holes on a downtube for a bicycle
frame, first cutting unit for cutting the right end of the downtube by punching, a second cutting unit for cutting a
downwards bevel edge on the left end of the downtube by punching, a third cutting unit for cutting an inwardly curved top
edge on the left end of the downtube by punching, a first locating unit for moving the downtube to the processing position
for processing, a second locating unit for holding down the downtube in the processing position, and a control circuit for
controlling the operation of the aforesaid units.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 25, 1994
Date of Patent: January 3, 1995

Inventors: Chih-Wan Yu, Chih-Yung Yu


Apparatus and method for cutting and transporting scarfed weld bead
Patent number: 5323949
Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for handling the weld bead scarfed from the interior surface of
continuous seam welded metal tube or pipe incident to its manufacture. A section of tube of predetermined length is cut
from the lead and of the advancing continuous tube, having the scarfed weld bead therein, by a rotary cutter. The speed of
the individual section is increased to create a gap between the individual section and the continuous tube, and a scissor
mechanism severs the weld bead within the gap. The severed section of weld bead is then conveyed within the associated
individual section of tube to a tube accumulation or storage area for removal and disposal.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 23, 1993
Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
Assignee: Abbey Etna Machine Company
Inventors: Lewis H. Ruple, George W. Kaase
Apparatus for repairing a transport pipe
Patent number: 5280670
Abstract: This describes an apparatus for repairing a plastic transport pipe with a defective section while the pipe is under
pressure. A pressure vessel encloses the defective section and seals with the pipe. The defective section is cut in two and
the defective section drops out into the lower space of the vessel. A repair nipple is then moved into the space between the
two cut ends of the pipe. Electrofusion collars are placed over the joint between the insert nipple and the cut ends of the
transport pipe. The electrofusion collars are then energized to effect a leakproof joint between the insert nipple and the
two ends of the transport pipe. The insert nipple may be any replacement section desired, such as a section with a Tee in
it.
Type: Grant
Filed: November 2, 1992
Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
Inventors: Danny D. Toomey, Gene R. Ralls, Johnny M. Manley
Automatic tube processing system
Patent number: 5267381
Abstract: The automatic tube processing system and method utilizes an automatic laser inspection system capable of
inspecting the face of a tube for defects during the manufacturing process of the tube. The automatic tube processing
system and method comprises a light source, such as a laser, positioned near a tube for transmitting light onto the face of
the tube. The tube and the light source may be rotated relative to one another to enable the entire face of the tube to be
inspected. An electrical receiver for detecting light reflected from the face of the tube is positioned near the light source.
The electrical receiver is capable of determining a height differential on the face of the tube and capable of producing an

output to be analyzed by a processing means. A monitor displays the output from the processing means in the form of a
graph.
Type: Grant
Filed: February 19, 1991
Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Inventors: William M. Wright, William J. Bloom, Mark A. Troxell, Kevin W. Kutchenriter
Method and apparatus for dispensing desiccant materials into window spacer frames
Patent number: 5253683
Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously filling adjacent sides of a window spacer frame with a desiccant
material is characterized by a fill head having a discharge port in communication with a desiccant chamber, a releasable
clamping device for clamping the open ends of the adjacent sides in alignment with the discharge port, and the chamber is
pressurized with air to force the desiccant material through the discharge port for a time interval necessary to fill the sides
of the spacer frame. An air conveyor is provided to induce the flow of desiccant material from a reservoir for the purpose
of periodically refilling the desiccant chamber when empty, and a filter system in the air conveyor will separate the
desiccant material from the air stream while permitting the air stream to be exhausted to atmosphere during the filling
operation.
Type: Grant
Filed: November 20, 1991
Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
Assignee: Tools for Bending, Inc.
Inventors: Dennis J. Ekren, Kenneth C. Seaton
Method for straightening coupling shafts
Patent number: 5253499
Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for straightening a coupling shaft comprising a tubular member having a
midship tube shaft affixed at one end thereof, with the midship tube shaft mounted in a center shaft support bearing
assembly. The coupling shaft is rotatably supported at the end opposite the midship tube shaft and at the center shaft
support bearing which rotatably supports the midship tube shaft of the coupling shaft. The coupling shaft is rotated
relative to an indicator for measuring radial misalignment thereof, and the radial misalignment is measured at one or more
locations along the midship tube shaft. A force is applied to the coupling shaft to permanently deflect the same and
thereby reduce any observed radial misalignment.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 11, 1992
Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
Assignee: Dana Corporation

Inventors: Kenneth H. Knipp, Margot L. Hoffman


Rod positioning apparatus
Patent number: 5235855
Abstract: A rod positioning apparatus is disclosed for positioning the end of a rod for a subsequent work operation on the
rod such as ultrasonic testing of the rod end. A rod stop member receives the end of a rod advanced into a rod working
position. A light emitting diode emits light through a fiber optic cable and across the area a rod end occupies when
positioned in a rod stop position of the rod stop member. The end of a fiber optic cable receives light emitted across the
rod stop position and directs the light to a light sensor. A control is activated when the light is not sensed on the light
sensor and is activated for controlling a rod advancing and securing mechanism for stopping further advancement of the
rod and securing the rod in a fixed position when the rod has advanced into the rod stop position and blocked light emitted
from the light emitting diode through the fiber optic cables and onto the light sensor.
Type: Grant
Filed: March 25, 1991
Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Inventors: Stanley S. Patrick, Ernest R. Lacy
Method of and device for obtaining short shavings trimmed from the seams inside longitudinally welded pipes
Patent number: 5216792
Abstract: An arrangement for trimming short shavings from a seam inside a longitudinally welded pipe having a
longitudinal axis, in which an inside shaving is scraped off continuously with a stationary blade by moving the pipe
relative to the blade. The inside shaving is then cut up discontinuously with an actuated knife inside the pipe. The scraping
procedure is carried out with scraping forces having a resultant force vector lying substantially in a plane through the
longitudinal axis of the pipe and the seam. The scraping procedure is dependent on the speed of the moving pipe, whereas
the cutting procedure is independent of the speed of the moving pipe.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 2, 1992
Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
Assignee: Hoesch Aktiengesellschaft
Inventors: Bernd Engler, Helmut Will
Pipette tip filter inserter and method therefore
Patent number: 5210927
Abstract: A method for and a device to insert filters into disposable pipette tips uses a turntable adapted to receive a
plurality of tips adjacent its circumference and powered by a stepping motor to incrementally rotate pipette tips to various
positions for appropriate actions. After a tip is placed in the turntable, it is moved successively to a position where a filter
of predetermined size may be inserted into the tip. The filter is then tamped into the desired final position at still another
position. After checking for the presence of a filter, the pipette is removed from the turntable.

Type: Grant
Filed: June 17, 1991
Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
Assignee: Ways & Means, Inc.
Inventors: Peter L. Lamont, Ali Vafaei
Boiler tube repair apparatus
Patent number: 5193257
Abstract: An improved apparatus for the speedy and efficient repair of tubes contained in a furnace boiler waterwall is
disclosed. Disclosed are a milling machine used to mill the elongated slots, and drill and saw fixtures to aid in cutting
away the damaged tube section. The improved apparatus enhances the precision and uniformity with which boiler tube
repairs may be made, increases access to perform internal welds in boiler tubes and permits some prefabrication of
necessary repair parts, thus reducing furnace down time for repair.
Type: Grant
Filed: July 9, 1990
Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
Assignee: Dayton Power and Light Company
Inventors: Paul W. Bowman, Andrew F. Estill, Michael D. Gatherwright, Robert L. Smith
Header machine
Patent number: 5161289
Abstract: A header machine for drilling specified hole patterns in pipe and for cutting the pipe to a specified length to
form headers for use in heat transfer products. The header machine includes hold clamps for selectively holding the pipe
during the processing of the pipe and feed clamps for selectively holding the pipe during the feeding thereof through the
header machine. The feed clamps are mounted on a feed carriage which is movably mounted for movement forwardly and
rearwardly. The feed carriage is driven by a stepper motor operably coupled to the feed carriage for moving the feed
carriage and the pipe endwise to various drilling positions. The header machine also includes a spud drill for drilling spud
holes in the pipe, a connection drill for drilling connection holes in the pipe, a circular saw for cutting the pipe to a
specified length, and provisions for making double circuit patterns of the spud hole.
Type: Grant
Filed: May 29, 1991
Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
Assignee: Ardco, Inc.
Inventors: James W. Adams, Steven R. Cole, William D. Daggett, Douglas B. Laird, Larry Newsom, Sr., John R.
Strickland, Jerry D. Thompson, Johnny L. Thurmond
Internal grinding and cutting device for pipe and casing

Patent number: 5150496


Abstract: A portable system for reworking the inside diameter of oil field pipe and casing, and especially plastic coated
pipe that is to be re-coated. The system includes a grinderhead that removes irregularities from the inner surface of the
pipe to render the pipe suitable for use in deep wells. A cutterhead assembly is rotated as it is forced into the interior of a
joint of pipe. The cutterhead assembly includes a mandrel which turns a special cutting device having a plurality of
grinders for engaging and cutting the inner wall of the pipe as the entire grinderhead is forced to travel through the pipe.
Alignment and grinding members attached to the mandrel maintain the longitudinal axis of the grinders in proper
alignment to produce the desired new pipe inside diameter. Included in the system is a special cutterhead for removing old
plastic coating material in advance of the grinderhead whereby the cutterhead mostly removes plastic while the
grinderhead mostly removes metal from the inner pipe surface.
Type: Grant
Filed: August 2, 1991
Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
Assignee: Scott Tech International, Inc.
Inventor: Scott Bromley
Multi-purpose pipeline construction and testing machine
Patent number: 5148587
Abstract: A multi-purpose, full service pipeline construction and testing machine wherein an internal combustion engine
is mounted on a trailer adapted to be towed to a job site, the trailer having driven rollers for supporting pipe to be cut; a
circular saw, a bevelling cutter and an abrasive wheel are rotatably mounted thereon for fabricating pipe to be assembled
in a pipeline system. A water pump, hydrostatic pump and air compressor are also mounted on the trailer for testing the
assembled pipeline for leaks. The internal combustion engine is operatively connected to the drive roller, circular saw,
bevelling cutter, abrasive wheel, pumps and air compressor.
Type: Grant
Filed: October 18, 1990
Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
Inventors: Carl R. Phelps, June T. Phelps, Douglas E. Phelps
Dedimpler and deburring apparatus
Patent number: 5103663
Abstract: A combination dedimpler and deburring apparatus is provided in which tubes are serially introduced into a
dedimpler machine which removes constrictions or dimples from the tube wall at the cut ends thereof to form
cylindrically true ends, and then the tubes are automatically transferred to a deburring machine for the removal of burrs
from such cut ends. In the dedimpler machine, the tubes are advanced to a dedimpler station where a pair of dedimpler
plugs are moved by a cam arrangement into opposite ends of the tube in a precisely timed, synchronized motion to force
the tube wall against cooperating press rollers and thus remove constrictions or dimples from the tube ends. The
dedimpled tubes are then automatically conveyed to the deburring machine having laterally spaced brush heads which
carry deburring brushes operative to remove burrs from the tube ends.

Type: Grant
Filed: April 25, 1990
Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
Assignee: Buckeye Manufacturing Company
Inventors: Richard L. Shafer, Allen E. Mackall
Traveling steel pipe cutting machine of milling type
Patent number: 5097576
Abstract: The known traveling steel pipe cutting machine of a milling type, which cuts a pipe while traveling in
synchronism with a pipe manufacturing speed, is improved so as to facilitate the calculation of positional loci and the
control of a milling cutter, to increase a rigidity of the machine and a life of the cutter, and to also make it possible to cut
even a pipe having an asymmetric cross-sectional shape under the same set of operating conditions. A plurality of cutter
heads each include a milling cutter, and are each supported and linearly fed in biaxial directions by respective guides and
feed drive motors. A clamping device is positioned in the proximity of the milling cutters for holding and fixing the pipe.
The cutter heads and the clamping device are disposed on a traveling truck.
Type: Grant
Filed: January 23, 1991
Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Inventors: Yuzuru Kadono, Masatoshi Okano
Method and device for the cutting of pipes into separate pipe sections
Patent number: 5074018
Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting pipes into sections are described. A punching unit (7) forms apertures (8) in
strip (2) from which pipe (4) is formed on winding core (3). A cutting device (5) has a circular shears (10) which has a
first, smaller-diameter cutting roller (13) and a second cutting roller (14) each having two cutting edges. The first cutting
roller (13) is swivelled through aperture (8) into the pipe (4). Rotary movement of the pipe (4) effects cutting, during
which the cutting rollers (13, 14) move in synchronism with the pipe (4) so that the pipe is cut from the inside and the
outside by the cutting rollers (13, 14).
Type: Grant
Filed: June 6, 1990
Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
Assignee: Emil Suter Maschinenfabrik AG
Inventors: Rudolf Binggeli, Fritz Langmeier
Pipe centering apparatus
Patent number: 5069095

Abstract: A pipe centering apparatus is of such a structure that pipes of certain kinds such as aluminum short pipes
transported by a conveyor are centered with their longitudinal centers aligned with each other, before the pipes are
subjected to chamfering or other processes. The pipe centering apparatus in the invention comprises a pair of right and left
gears in mesh with each other and rotatably mounted on a main frame, a pair of right and left racks respectively in mesh
with the right and left gears, and a pair of right and left regulators respectively secured to the right and left racks so as to
come into contact with ends of the pipes, wherein the gears are rotated to cause the regulators to move towards each other
and to contact the pipe ends, thereby precisely centering the pipes even where the pipes are not of strictly the same length.
Type: Grant
Filed: November 21, 1990
Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
Assignee: Showa Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha
Inventors: Noboru Ohneda, Shunta Ushioda, Haruo Arima, Ichiro Hashimoto, Denziro Kaneko, Kazuo Sugiyama, Tsuguo
Fukazawa, Teruo Tachi, Takashi Mukasa
Internal cutting head for drifting pipe
Patent number: 5062187
Abstract: A portable system for reworking the inside diameter of heavy oil field casing, and especially casing that has
irregularities on the inner surface thereof that render the casing unsuitable for use in deep wells. A cutting head assembly
is rotated as it is forced into the interior of a joint of casing. The cutting head assembly includes a mandrel which turns a
special cutting device having a plurality of cutters for engaging and cutting the inner wall of the pipe as the entire
cutterhead is forced to travel through the pipe. Alignment members attached to the mandrel on either side of the cutting
device maintain the longitudinal axis of the cutters in proper alignment to produce the desired new pipe inside diameter.
After the first half of the pipe is sized or trued, the joint of casing is reversed and the other half is cut to the same new
desired inside diameter. Included in the system is a special grinder for reworking pipe having only marginal
imperfections.
Type: Grant
Filed: August 30, 1990
Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
Assignee: Scott Tech International, Inc.
Inventor: Scott Bromley
Boiler repair
Patent number: 5044075
Abstract: Boiler tube repair apparatus includes elongated guide rail structure for securing to a boiler tube panel adjacent a
desired cut region, and three tool assemblies for mounting on the guide rail structure. Each tool assembly includes
carriage structure with guide structure for engaging the guide rail structure and support structure on which a tube
machining tool is mounted and that defines a tool movement axis dedicated to and coordinated with that tool. Each
machining tool includes a drive motor, a manual motor control, a drive shaft and a machining member such as a cutter
disc or head.

Type: Grant
Filed: January 6, 1989
Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
Assignee: SMA Controls, Inc.
Inventors: Matthew T. Brennan, James A. Moruzzi
Apparatus for bending elongated materials in a continuous manner
Patent number: 5031291
Abstract: A bending apparatus has a fixed supply head, a movable bending head, a material feeding device, a sliding
device, and a swinging device for sliding and swinging the movable bending head. The sliding device and the swinging
device slide and swing the movable bending head against the fixed supply head and arrange the movable bending head in
an accurate position and angle. The material-feeding device continuously feeds a material through channels of both the
fixed supply head and the movable bending head. Because of the swinging ability of the bending apparatus, the material is
bent between the heads with accuracy.
Type: Grant
Filed: June 8, 1989
Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
Assignee: Chuo Electric Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Inventor: Naoto Shimokata
Fluid connection method and assembly
Patent number: 5022421
Abstract: A fluid connection is made to a conduit with a fluid connector by piercing a wall of the conduit. The connector
includes a hollow nose portion. The connector is mounted on a tool having a punch pin extending through and beyond the
nose portion. The wall is pierced by a point on the punch pin, and the hole is enlarged by forcing the nose portion through
the wall while the punch pin supports the wall of the nose portion. A fluid tight seal is formed between the nose portion
and a collar of deformed wall material.
Type: Grant
Filed: January 26, 1990
Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
Mounting device with transfer means for advancing tubular sleeves between different work stations
Patent number: 5005274
Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for the arrangement and preparation of cores (13) intended for use as reel
cores in papermaking in a number of stations with tools for carrying out a number of working operations in and/or on each
one of the ends of the cores (13), the stations being disposed in side-by-side relationship and having opening and closing

grippers (16) for fixedly retaining the core (13) which is to be arranged and prepared, in each respective station during the
execution of one or more working operations therein, the opening and closing grippers (16) being disposed on the one,
free end of an arm (17) which is located at each end of the core (13) and which, at the opposite end in relation to the
opening and closing grippers (16), is pivotal about a shaft (18) located beside the station.
Type: Grant
Filed: September 5, 1989
Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
Inventor: Hans Timell

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