Tube expander utilizing hydraulically actuated pistons
OwnerJames Hilbert Andersoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for expanding a tube or pipe by axially compressing an annular resilient element to cause said element to radially expand into engagement with the inner surface of the tube or pipe. The compressing of the resilient element and its radial expansion is caused by a main piston and cylinder structure which is subjected to fluid under pressure. A secondary or impact piston is provided in the main piston for applying higher stresses to the tube or pipe through the resilient element. The resilient element is interposed between a plurality of spaced annular ring members which constitute guide means therefor.
Claims9
Apparatus for radially expanding an area of a tubular conduit or pipe comprising an expander unit positioned within said tubular conduit or pipe, said unit having a member with a stem portion arranged in co-axial relationship with said tubular conduit or pipe,
- a compressible ring element mounted on said stem portion,
- a cylinder member,
- a piston member slidably positioned within said cylinder member,
- said stem portion connected to one of said last mentioned members,
- a band element positioned on said stem portion between said ring element and said member and a band element positioned on said stem portion between said ring element and one of said last mentioned members,
- said band elements having a higher modulus of elasticity than said compressible ring element but less than that of said member and said one of said last mentioned members,
- and means for delivering fluid under pressure to said cylinder member for moving said piston member with respect thereto for axially compressing said ring element between said band elements contemporaneous with the radial expansion of an area of said tubular conduit or pipe by said ring element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.