Surface analysis preceding electrofusion of thermoplastics
US7064300B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/474
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus achieves making a surface-analysis determination precedent to allowing an electrofusion welding operation on pipe stock which is prescribed to be scraped, skinned or cleaned of surface contaminants prior to being graded ‘passable’ for such electrofusion welding. The method and apparatus utilizes non-contacting probes affixed to the welding power-supply leads such that inspection is automatic on the applicable pipe section(s) contemporaneously prior to enabling power-supply to the hot-wire welding coils. If the applicable pipe section fails the inspection, the welding equipment is disabled until the probes are disassembled, and then re-assembled for a succeeding inspection, such that during the interim an operator presumptively rectifies the situation as by re-scraping or skinning the applicable pipe section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.