Tube expanding and grooving tool and method
US4646548A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 1984 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4994
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and a tool for expanding the outside diameter and forming grooves on the inside surface of a tube. The tool comprises an axially extending mandrel, a centering portion, and a grooving portion. The centering and grooving portions of the tool are both secured to the mandrel, with the grooving portion located axially rearward of the centering portion. The centering portion radially projects outward of the mandrel, and the grooving portion is coaxial with and radially projects outward of the central portion of the tool. The central portion defines a smooth annular surface to engage and partially expand the tubes, inside and outside diameters, to guide the tube onto the grooving portion, and to maintain the grooving portion centered within the tube. The grooving portion defines an outside surface to expand the tube further, and preferably includes a plurality of external fins to form grooves on the inside surface of the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.