US3684149A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expansible tools
Assignee: Stewarts and Lloyds Ltd
•
Filing: 1970-11-23
•
Granted: 1972-08-15
•
Expires: 1990-11-23
Abstract
Abstract An expansible tool for aligning abutting tube ends has a piston and cylinder for moving a wedge relative to jaws for urging the jaws outwardly against the tube, an inflatable clamp expansible against the inner surface of one of the tubes and operable independently of the jaws, and adjustable guide wheels for supporting the tool in the tubes.
Inventors
- 👤 Allan R Ambler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 15:48
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K37/00; B23K37/04; B23K37/053; B23K37/0531; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/53796; Y10T29/53835; Y10T29/53978
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An expansible tool for radially expanding and aligning the ends of a pair of tubes in mutual end-to-end relation, comprising a single wedge means, a pair of annular side plates in fixed spaced apart relation, a single set of jaw members disposed around said wedge means and in axial abutment between said plates contained for radial movement only, said wedge means having a length greater than the distance between said spaced annular plates, a joint backing member extending around said jaw members, radially outwardly movable clamping means for securing said tool relative to one of the pipes by expansion against said pipe, and means for moving said wedge means axially relative to said jaw members, whereby each of said jaw members is radially outwardly wedged against the mutually abutting ends of both of said pipes with said joint backing member overlapping both of said pipe ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
An expansible tool for radially expanding and aligning the ends of a pair of tubes in mutual end-to-end relation, comprising a single wedge means, a pair of annular side plates in fixed spaced apart relation, a single set of jaw members disposed around said wedge means and in axial abutment between said plates contained for radial movement only, said wedge means having a length greater than the distance between said spaced annular plates, a joint backing member extending around said jaw members, radially outwardly movable clamping means for securing said tool relative to one of the pipes by expansion against said pipe, and means for moving said wedge means axially relative to said jaw members, whereby each of said jaw members is radially outwardly wedged against the mutually abutting ends of both of said pipes with said joint backing member overlapping both of said pipe ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The expansible tool of claim 1, wherein said clamping means comprise an arcuately curved metal clamp member and an inflatable means adapted to expand said metal clamp member against the inside of said one pipe to provide a firm metal to metal contact between the tool and the pipe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A tube expanding and aligning tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for moving said wedge means comprise a piston and cylinder, said piston being connected to said wedge means, and a flexible pipe for supplying fluid to said cylinder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
A tube expanding and aligning tool as set forth in claim 1, wherein said single set of jaw members comprises a plurality of separate, radially movable jaws, spring retainers extending between pairs of said jaws, and tension springs mounted between said spring retainers and said plates urging said jaws radially inwardly against said wedge member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |