Algorithms and methods for controlling threading of pipe
AssigneeEmerson Professional Tools, LLC
InventorsScott Kruepke, Seth B. Bullock, Glen R. Chartier, Naga Penmetsa, Dominic Amantea, Curtis Hendrix, Nicholas Amaral, Dan-Radu Bozdog
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various methods are described for forming threads in a workpiece, and particularly for controlling and/or monitoring threading of workpieces. Also described are tools and a system used in performing the methods.
Claims9
A method for forming threads in a workpiece using a tool including a tool head having at least one threading die, an electric motor rotatably powering the tool head, a sensor for measuring electrical current consumed by the motor, a controller for controlling operation of the motor, a counter of motor rotations, and memory provisions for saving motor-rotation counts, wherein the method comprises:
- rotating the tool head that includes at least one threading die, by use of the motor;
- measuring electrical current consumed by the motor, by use of the sensor;
- comparing the measured electrical current to a first threshold value, whereby if the first threshold value has not been met, the measuring and comparing operations are repeated;
- if the first threshold value has been met, incrementing the counter of motor rotations to produce a cumulative motor rotation count;
- and
- performing a second comparison of the cumulative motor rotation count to a second threshold value, whereby if the second threshold value has not been met, the incrementing and second comparing operations are repeated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.