US3910481A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Collapsible back-up tool
Assignee: Alcoa Corp
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Filing: 1974-12-11
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Granted: 1975-10-07
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Expires: 1994-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A collapsible alignment and back-up tool adapted to be inserted in abutting ends of pipes or tubular members to be joined together, as by welding and the like, for maintaining such abutting ends in proper alignment and providing a continuous back-up during the joining operation includes an assemblage that is collapsible when subjected to the influence of a magnetic field. Due to its magnetic structural characteristics, the tool may be caused to move longitudinally within a tubular member or it may be restrained at any location along the length of the tubular member. A pair of end plugs are slidably mounted on a shaft. The ends of a plurality of interengaging arcuate segments are supported on shoulders carried by each of the end plugs to form, in expanded condition, a substantially cylindrical surface that collapses when the end plugs are moved outwardly apart along the shaft. The end plugs are formed of a magnetic material and all other elements are formed of relatively nonmagnetic material. When subjected to the influence of a magnetic field, the end plugs are caused to move apart to collapse the tool and/or to move the tool longitudinally within a pipe or tubular member.
Inventors
- 👤 John M Urbanic
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:23
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K37/00; B23K37/04; B23K37/053; B23K37/0531
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 words
A collapsible alignment and back-up tool for adjacent ends of tubular members to be butt-joined together comprising an assemblage expandable into and collapsible from a condition defining an elongate and substantially cylindrical member and adapted to be positioned in expanded condition within end abutted adjacent ends of a pair of tubular members prior to joining said ends together with the outer generally cylindrical surface portions of the assemblage disposed in substantially surface-to-surface engaging relation with the inner surface portions of said adjacent ends of said tubular members, said tool being constructed of a shaft, a pair of end plugs slidably mounted on said shaft and each having a shoulder portion encompassing said shaft and extending toward the other plug, and a plurality of adjacent interengaging arcuate segments forming said substantially cylindrical surface in said expanded condition when opposed ends of said segments are supported by said shoulder portions, said shaft and said segments being formed of relatively nonmagnetic material and each of said end plugs being formed of relatively magnetic material to cause said plugs to move relative to said shaft in opposite directions and collapse said surface when the tool is subjected to the influence of a magnetic field.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 words
A collapsible alignment and back-up tool for adjacent ends of tubular members to be butt-joined together comprising an assemblage expandable into and collapsible from a condition defining an elongate and substantially cylindrical member and adapted to be positioned in expanded condition within end abutted adjacent ends of a pair of tubular members prior to joining said ends together with the outer generally cylindrical surface portions of the assemblage disposed in substantially surface-to-surface engaging relation with the inner surface portions of said adjacent ends of said tubular members, said tool being constructed of a shaft, a pair of end plugs slidably mounted on said shaft and each having a shoulder portion encompassing said shaft and extending toward the other plug, and a plurality of adjacent interengaging arcuate segments forming said substantially cylindrical surface in said expanded condition when opposed ends of said segments are supported by said shoulder portions, said shaft and said segments being formed of relatively nonmagnetic material and each of said end plugs being formed of relatively magnetic material to cause said plugs to move relative to said shaft in opposite directions and collapse said surface when the tool is subjected to the influence of a magnetic field.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A tool according to claim 1 and additionally including resilient means interconnected with said segments and continuously urging said segments in a radially inward direction relative to the axis of said shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A tool according to claim 1 and additionally including a member interconnecting said segments and said shaft to restrain longitudinal movement of said segments in a direction parallel to the axis of said shaft and permitting radial movement of said segments.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tool according to claim 1 and additionally including stop members each connected to said shaft at opposite ends thereof and engageable with one of said plugs to limit movement thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A tool according to claim 1 wherein said segments consist of a plurality of outer segments guided by an equal number of guiding segments interposed between said shaft and said outer segments.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A tool according to claim 1 wherein said segments are formed of anodized aluminum.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
62 words
A tool according to claim 1 wherein said segments have grooved portions forming a substantially continuous circumferentially-extending groove in said cylindrical surface, and additionally including continuous spring means disposed in said groove and urging said segments radially inward and projecting outwardly from said cylindrical surface a preselected amount to center said tool within said tubular members and to control weld penetration thereof.
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) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |