US4338153A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Welding plastic tube lining
Assignee: Ameron Inc
•
Filing: 1980-06-20
•
Granted: 1982-07-06
•
Expires: 2000-06-20
Abstract
Abstract Welding apparatus for plastic lining (5) in concrete tubing (4) comprises a centering carriage (6) movable inside the tubing along its length and fixable in position at a location adjacent a butt joint (51) having a seam to be welded. A carrier arm (10) is mounted for rotation about an axis (9) coincident with the axis of the tubing (4) for supporting a welding unit (14) at its outer end remote from the axis of the tubing. A drive source (15, 16) adjacent the welding unit engages the interior of the tubing and self propells the welding unit (14) and carrier arm (10) around the interior of the tubing (4). The welding unit (14) is biased outwardly towards the wall of the tubing and is guided along the welding seam by either a guide ring (21) or a roller (20) engaging a gap (48) between adjacent tubing sections. Several degrees of freedom are provided for accommodating lack of concentricity and translation of the welding unit along the length of the tubing without moving the centering carriage.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz A. R. Zimmerman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 00:39
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C65/00; B29C65/48; B29C65/50; B29C65/5057; B29C63/00; B29C63/26; B29C63/30; B29C66/00; B29C66/01; B29C66/05; B29C66/10; B29C66/11; B29C66/114; B29C66/1142; B29C66/12; B29C66/128; B29C66/1282; B29C66/1284; B29C66/12841; B29C66/14; B29C66/50; B29C66/51; B29C66/52; B29C66/522; B29C66/5221; B29C66/61; B29C66/612; B29C66/65; B29C66/652; B29C66/80; B29C66/82; B29C66/822; B29C66/8221; B29C66/83; B29C66/836; B29C66/8362; B29C66/84; B29C66/865; B29C66/8652; B29C66/86521; F; F16; F16L; F16L58/00; F16L58/18; F16L58/181; B29C65/02; B29C65/18; B29C65/24; B29C65/26; B29C65/4805; B29C65/481; B29C65/4815; B29C66/70; B29C66/71; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/10; Y10T156/1002; Y10T156/1028; Y10T156/1033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: a carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; means for fixing position of the carriage at a selected location in the tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on the carriage for rotation about an axis coinciding with the axis of such tubing; a welding unit for welding plastic tubing lining mounted on an outer end of such a carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation; drive means for propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the interior of such tubing; means for resiliently biasing the welding unit outwardly towards the wall of the tubing; guide means adjacent the welding unit for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around the tubing; and means for accommodating translation of the welding unit along the length of the tubing in response to the guide means without moving the carriage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: a carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; means for fixing position of the carriage at a selected location in the tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on the carriage for rotation about an axis coinciding with the axis of such tubing; a welding unit for welding plastic tubing lining mounted on an outer end of such a carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation; drive means for propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the interior of such tubing; means for resiliently biasing the welding unit outwardly towards the wall of the tubing; guide means adjacent the welding unit for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around the tubing; and means for accommodating translation of the welding unit along the length of the tubing in response to the guide means without moving the carriage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the means for accommodating translation comprises: a pivot arm between the outer end of the carrier arm and the welding unit for mounting the welding unit; and means interconnecting the pivot arm and the carrier arm for accommodating rotation of the pivot arm about an axis extending radially in such tubing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 comprising a connection between the pivot arm and welding unit having at least two degrees of rotational freedom.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as recited in either of claims 2 or 3 wherein the means for biasing comprises a tension spring connected to the opposite end of the pivot arm from the welding unit and a pivot between the ends of the pivot arm having a pivot axis extending parallel to the axis of rotation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 comprising means for pivoting the welding unit about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 comprising a pivotal connection between the carrier arm and the welding unit having at least two degrees of rotational freedom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as recited in either of claims 5 or 6 wherein the means for biasing comprises a spring directing force outwardly along an axis extending outwardly in such tubing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the guide means comprises a plurality of rollers adjacent the welding unit for engaging a ring temporarily mounted in such tubing adjacent a welding seam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for pivoting the carrier arm about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 8 comprising means for pivotally mounting the welding unit on an outer end of the carrier arm for pivoting about an axis perpendicular to the axis about which the carrier arm can pivot.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein the means for biasing comprises a spring directing force outwardly along the pivot axis for the welding unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as recited in any of claims 9, 10 or 11 comprising a pivotal connection between the carrier arm and the welding unit having two additional degrees of rotational freedom.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein the guide means comprises a plurality of rollers adjacent the welding unit for engaging a guide ring temporarily mounted in such tubing, and further comprising a ball and socket joint between the welding unit and the carrier arm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the drive means is mounted adjacent the welding unit and comprises means for engaging an interior wall of the tubing for self-propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the axis of rotation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the mounting for the welding unit on the carrier arm comprises a tube member and a shaft member inserted in the tube member for rotation about an axis extending transverse to the axis of rotation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 15 wherein the means for biasing comprises a spring between the tube member and the shaft member for exerting a biasing force outwardly.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a pivot arm, means for mounting the pivot arm on the carrier arm for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transverse to the axis of rotation of the carrier arm, and means for mounting the welding unit on the pivot arm.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 17 wherein the welding unit is pivotally mounted on the pivot arm with at least two degrees of rotational freedom transverse to the pivot axis.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the guide means comprises a plurality of guide rollers for engaging a guide ring temporarily mounted in such tubing.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the guide means comprises a guide roller for fitting in the gap of a butt joint between adjacent sections of tubing and means for resiliently biasing the guide roller into such gap.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 20 further comprising means for applying a plastic sealing strip along such a butt joint.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein such carriage comprises a plurality of adjustable wheels on the carriage for engaging an interior wall surface of such tubing at its lower portion and the means for fixing position comprises at least one height adjustable prop for temporary engagement with an interior wall surface of such tubing at its upper portion.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the carriage comprises at least two carriages interconnected at the axis of rotation and the carrier arm is mounted between such carriages.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 comprising a roll carrier for applying a sealing strip overlapping a welding seam and at least one pressure roller adjacent the welding unit for pressing an edge of the sealing strip against a plastic lining of such tubing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 comprising means for mounting the carrier arm for pivoting about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation and eccentrically spaced therefrom.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 25 wherein the means for mounting the carrier arm includes limited movement of the carrier arm along the pivot axis.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the welding unit comprises a hot air blower for heating plastic lining to its welding temperature and at least one pressure roller for pressing the welding seam.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: at least one carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on such a carriage for rotation about an axis centrally located in such tubing; a welding unit for welding plastic lining of such tubing; means for mounting the welding unit on the carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation and pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the axis of rotation; drive means for propelling the welding unit around at least a portion of the circumference of such tubing; means for biasing the welding unit outwardly toward the wall of such tubing; and guide means adjacent the welding unit for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around such tubing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
130 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: at least one carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on such a carriage for rotation about an axis centrally located in such tubing; a welding unit for welding plastic lining of such tubing; means for mounting the welding unit on the carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation and pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the axis of rotation; drive means for propelling the welding unit around at least a portion of the circumference of such tubing; means for biasing the welding unit outwardly toward the wall of such tubing; and guide means adjacent the welding unit for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around such tubing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 28 comprising a pivotal connection between the welding unit and carrier arm having at least two degrees of rotational freedom transverse to the pivot axis.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 29 wherein the means for biasing comprises a spring directing force outwardly along the pivot axis.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as recited in any of claims 28, 29 or 30 comprising means for mounting the carrier arm for pivoting about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: at least one carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on such a carriage for rotation about an axis coinciding with the axis of such tubing; means for pivoting the carrier arm about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a welding unit for welding plastic lining of such tubing; means for pivotally mounting the welding unit on an outer end of the carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation with at least two degrees of rotational freedom; drive means for propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the interior of such tubing; means for biasing the welding unit outwardly toward the wall of such tubing; and guide means for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around such tubing.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: at least one carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on such a carriage for rotation about an axis coinciding with the axis of such tubing; means for pivoting the carrier arm about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a welding unit for welding plastic lining of such tubing; means for pivotally mounting the welding unit on an outer end of the carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation with at least two degrees of rotational freedom; drive means for propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the interior of such tubing; means for biasing the welding unit outwardly toward the wall of such tubing; and guide means for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around such tubing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 32 wherein the means for biasing comprises a spring directing force outwardly along an axis extending radially in such tubing.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as recited in either of claims 32 or 33 comprising in addition means for pivotally mounting the welding unit or an outer end of the carrier arm for pivoting about an axis perpendicular to the axis about which the carrier arm can pivot.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as recited in either of claims 32 or wherein the guide means comprises a plurality of rollers adjacent the welding unit for engaging a ring temporarily mounted in such tubing adjacent a welding seam.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as recited in either of claims 32 or 33 wherein the drive means is mounted adjacent the welding unit and comprises means for engaging an interior wall of the tubing for self-propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the axis of rotation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 32 comprising in addition a tube member and a shaft member inserted in the tube member for rotation about an axis transverse to the axis about which the carrier arm can pivot.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
146 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: a carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on the carriage for rotation about an axis centrally located in such tubing; a welding unit comprising a hot air blower for heating plastic tubing lining and a pressure roller for pressing a welding seam; means for mounting the welding unit on an outer end of such a carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation; drive means adjacent the welding unit for engaging an interior wall of such tubing and propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the interior of such tubing; means for resiliently biasing the welding unit and drive means outwardly towards the wall of the tubing; and guide means adjacent the welding unit for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around the tubing.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
146 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: a carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on the carriage for rotation about an axis centrally located in such tubing; a welding unit comprising a hot air blower for heating plastic tubing lining and a pressure roller for pressing a welding seam; means for mounting the welding unit on an outer end of such a carrier arm remote from the axis of rotation; drive means adjacent the welding unit for engaging an interior wall of such tubing and propelling the welding unit and carrier arm around the interior of such tubing; means for resiliently biasing the welding unit and drive means outwardly towards the wall of the tubing; and guide means adjacent the welding unit for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around the tubing.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 38 wherein the means for mounting the welding unit comprises means interconnecting the welding unit and the carrier arm for accommodating rotation of the welding unit about an axis extending outwardly in such tubing.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 39 comprising an additional connection between the pivot arm and welding unit having at least two degrees of rotational freedom.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as recited in either of claims 39 or 40 wherein the means for biasing comprises a spring directing force outwardly along the axis extending outwardly in such tubing.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 41 wherein the guide means comprises a plurality of rollers adjacent the welding unit for engaging a ring temporarily mounted in such tubing adjacent a welding seam.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as recited in any of claims 38, 39, or 40 further comprising means for pivoting the carrier arm about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: at least one carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on such a carriage for rotation about an axis centrally located inside such tubing; a pivot arm mounted on the carrier arm for pivoting about a pivot axis transverse to the axis of rotation; a welding unit for welding plastic lining of tubing mounted on the pivot arm offset from the pivot axis; means for biasing the welding unit outwardly toward the wall of such tubing; drive means for propelling the welding unit around at least a portion of the circumference of such tubing; and guide means for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around such tubing.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for welding plastic lining of tubing comprising: at least one carriage movable along the length of such tubing inside such tubing; at least one carrier arm mounted on such a carriage for rotation about an axis centrally located inside such tubing; a pivot arm mounted on the carrier arm for pivoting about a pivot axis transverse to the axis of rotation; a welding unit for welding plastic lining of tubing mounted on the pivot arm offset from the pivot axis; means for biasing the welding unit outwardly toward the wall of such tubing; drive means for propelling the welding unit around at least a portion of the circumference of such tubing; and guide means for guiding the welding unit along a welding seam around such tubing.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 44 comprising means for mounting the welding unit on the pivot arm with at least two degrees of freedom of rotation about axes offset from the pivot axis and the axis of rotation.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as recited in either of claims 44 or 45 comprising means for mounting a center portion of the pivot arm for pivoting about an axis normal to the pivot axis and wherein the means for biasing comprises an adjustable tension spring connected to an end of the pivot arm opposite the end of the pivot arm on which the welding unit is mounted.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-07-05 | 1986-01-04 | 1986-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-07-05 | 1990-01-04 | 1990-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-07-05 | 1994-01-04 | 1994-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |