Tube stub removal apparatus
AssigneeALSTOM Technology Ltd
InventorsWilliam A. Keegan, Stanley G. Tomalesky
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus (400) for facilitating the removal of a tube stub from a drum includes an arbor (401) configured to extend within the tube stub to be removed, and a circular, rotating cutter (402) protruding from the arbor (401). The cutter (402) is configured to score an internal surface of the tube stub along an axial direction of the tube stub. A controller (403) associated with the apparatus (400) controls the axial and rotational movement of the arbor (401) to create one or more cuts in the tube stub to facilitate removal of the tube stub from the drum.
Claims14
An apparatus for facilitating the removal of a tube stub from a drum, comprising:
- an arbor configured to extend within the tube stub
- a rotatable cutter protruding from an external surface of the arbor and configured to score an internal surface of the tube stub along an axial direction of the tube stub to facilitate removal of the tube stub from the drum;
- a cutter motor attached to the arbor;
- at least one chain disposed within the arbor and configured to transfer power from the cutter motor to the cutter to cause the cutter to rotate;
- an anchor device for insertion into a second tube stub adjacent to the tube stub, wherein the anchor device is configured to expand within the second tube stub to anchor the apparatus to the drum;
- and
- an adjustable barrier member configured to move relative to the cutter and to cover at least a portion of the cutter protruding outside of the arbor for adjusting a depth of the score in the tube stub.
An automated apparatus for facilitating the removal of a tube stub from a drum, comprising:
- a arbor configured to extend within the tube stub;
- a rotating cutter protruding from an external surface of the arbor and configured to score an internal surface of the tube stub along an axial direction of the tube stub;
- a cutter motor attached to the arbor;
- at least one chain configured to transfer power from the cutter motor to the cutter to cause the cutter to rotate;
- a feed motor configured to move the arbor along a longitudinal axis of the arbor;
- an index motor configured to rotate the arbor about the longitudinal axis of the arbor;
- a controller configured to control the cutter motor, feed motor, and index motor in response to user input parameters;
- an anchor device for insertion into a second tube stub adjacent to the tube stub and configured to expand within the second tube stub to anchor the apparatus to the drum;
- and
- an adjustable barrier member configured to move relative to the cutter and to cover at least a portion of the cutter protruding outside of the arbor for adjusting a depth of the score in the tube stub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.