Apparatus for positioning a tool with respect to a cylindrical work piece
US4716271A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1984 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23Q9/0021
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for circumferentially and longitudinally positioning a weld head or other tool with respect to the surface of a pipe. A first annular ring is affixed to the pipe. A longitudinally movable annular indexing track is also circumferentially fitted about the pipe and rides upon a plurality of support rods mounted to the indexing track. The support rods are slidably received within corresponding holes in the clamping ring and extend longitudinally and parallel to the outer surface of the pipe. A motor mounted to the fixed ring drives a ring gear concentric to the fixed ring to reciprocate a ball screw which moves the second longitudinally moveable ring toward and away from the fixed ring. An orbitally moveable third annular ring is circumferentially mounted to the second ring, and a second motor mounted to the fixed ring drives a telescoping drive shaft which rotates the orbital third ring. Thus, a weld head or other tool attached to the third ring is both longitudinally and circumferentially positionable with respect to the surface of the pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.