US3742186A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Improvement in a grappling device
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1971-07-19
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Granted: 1973-06-26
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Expires: 1991-07-19
Abstract
Abstract A grappling device for achieving a seizure of two abutting tubes for welding purposes. The device comprises a pair of sets of wedge-shaped segments radially slidable on a center guide plate, and a corresponding pair of frustum members which move axially of the guide plate so as to radially extend or retract the segments. Means for axially moving the frustum members extend centrally of the plate and such members, and a cable means is attached thereto for flexible manipulation of the device from any point remote from the welding joint area irrespective of whether the configuration of abutting tubes is straight, bent, or curved. Actuation of the sets of wedge-shaped or mandrel segments provides a seizure upon and, thus clamping for the abutting tubes. Provision is made in the segment structures for chill bars which also provide for complete circulation of purging gas at the joint.
Inventors
- 👤 A Finkel
- 👤 C Jensen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 23:08
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K37/00; B23K37/04; B23K37/053; B23K37/0531
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
In a device for grappling end portions of tubes or the like abutting each other, and in which axially translatable opposing inverted frustum-shaped members mounted on a shaft provide radial movement for elements engaging each of said frustum-shaped members so that said elements are adapted to seize upon such end portions, the improvement comprising a plate having opposing faces extending to its circumferential limits, a set of said elements mounted on each of said faces and extending beyond such circumferential limits, each of said elements including a wall for seizing one of such tubes or the like and a base in sliding engagement with a corresponding face on said plate, each of said elements being wedge-shaped in a radial direction and including at least one slot radially oriented relative to said plate, and means extending through each slot and secured to said plate for guiding the sliding movement on said plate of each said elements in a radial direction, whereby axial translation of said frustum-shaped members expands or collapses said elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
In a device for grappling end portions of tubes or the like abutting each other, and in which axially translatable opposing inverted frustum-shaped members mounted on a shaft provide radial movement for elements engaging each of said frustum-shaped members so that said elements are adapted to seize upon such end portions, the improvement comprising a plate having opposing faces extending to its circumferential limits, a set of said elements mounted on each of said faces and extending beyond such circumferential limits, each of said elements including a wall for seizing one of such tubes or the like and a base in sliding engagement with a corresponding face on said plate, each of said elements being wedge-shaped in a radial direction and including at least one slot radially oriented relative to said plate, and means extending through each slot and secured to said plate for guiding the sliding movement on said plate of each said elements in a radial direction, whereby axial translation of said frustum-shaped members expands or collapses said elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein said guiding means includes means for retaining each of said elements to said center plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein an axially-directed projection is mounted on the base of each of said elements exteriorly of such circumferential limits of said plate, the projections on each set of elements mating with the like projections on the other set of elements to constitute chilling bar means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 1 including means for connecting the frustum-shaped members to said plate to prevent rotation of said members but to nevertheless provide axial translation thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The improvement of claim 4 wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of axially-extending pins press fit to said plate and slip-fitted to said frustum-shaped members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
144 words
The improvement of claim 1 including means for radially expanding one set of elements farther than the other set of elements, said expanding means comprising one of such frustum-shaped members including a recess open to said plate and through which such shaft extends, a spring in said recess mounted about such shaft, means on the shaft for operative relationship to the one of such frustum-shaped members whereby the reaction by said spring against said plate in a direction away from the other of said frustum-shaped members is controlled, the other of such frustum-shaped members being threadedly mounted to said shaft, whereby rotation of said shaft in one direction expands both sets of elements while providing the capability of additional axial translation of the the one of such frustum-shaped members to radially extend its associated set of elements farther than the other set of elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The improvement of claim 6 wherein said guiding means includes means for retaining each of said elements to said center plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The improvement of claim 6 wherein an axially-directed projection is mounted on the base of each of said elements exteriorly of such circumferential limits of said plate, the projections on each set of elements mating with the like projections on the other set of elements to constitute chilling bar means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The improvement of claim 6 including means for connecting the frustum-shaped members to said plate to prevent rotation of said members but to nevertheless provide axial translation thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The improvement of claim 9 wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of axially-extending pins press fit to said plate and slip-fitted to said frustum-shaped members.
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) | 1976-06-25 | 1976-12-25 | 1977-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-25 | 1980-12-25 | 1981-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-25 | 1984-12-25 | 1985-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |