Tool for forming a lateral opening in a tube

US4400966A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Walter Eckold GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Gerd-Jurgen Eckold · Braunlage, DE
• Hans Maab · Bad Lauterberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 2, 1981
• Grant date: Aug 30, 1983
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49442
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A tool for forming a lateral opening in a tube comprises an assembly which can be inserted longitudinally into a tube until it lies opposite to an opening (12) through which an operating member (44) can be passed for operative engagement with the assembly at 46. The assembly includes a wedge member (16) with wedge surfaces (22) extending symmetrically in relation to the direction of motion of the operating member (44). Two spreader bodies (28,30) are mounted on the wedge member (16) and after initial insertion of the tool the operating member acts to displace the wedge member and hence the spreader body so that it contacts and deforms the interior of the pipe. Complete withdrawal of the tool through the opening (12) deforms the metal surrounding the opening and after a suitable finishing process another tube can be welded at right angles to the first mentioned tube to form a T-piece.