Method of using laser line generator tool of a pipe machining apparatus

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2018333784-A1
Application number	US-201816048561-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jul 30, 2018
Priority date	Apr 13, 2015
Publication date	Nov 22, 2018
Grant date	—

Abstract

A method of using a pipe machining apparatus according to an aspect includes providing a frame capable of being mounted onto a pipe, a tool carrier coupled to and movable relative to the frame, a tool support coupled to and movable with the tool carrier relative to the frame, and a laser line generator tool mounted on and movable with the tool support. The laser line generator tool images a laser light onto the pipe to align with a mark(s) on the pipe which denotes a proper cut line around the pipe. The apparatus can be repositioned relative to the pipe in order to enable an operator to properly position the apparatus on the pipe prior to a cutting operation.

First claim

1 . A method of mounting a pipe machining apparatus on a pipe, comprising:
Marking an outer surface of the pipe with a mark to delineate a cut line around the outer surface of the pipe; mounting a frame onto the pipe in a first position to generally align with the mark; activating a laser light mounted on the frame to image a laser light onto the pipe to align with the mark; and rotating the activated laser light relative to the frame to image the laser light on to the outer surface of the pipe as the laser light is rotated around the outer surface of the pipe.

2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising repositioning the frame into a new position relative to the pipe, the new position being different than the first position.

3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising cutting the pipe when the frame is in the new position.

4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the frame can be repositioned several times into a new position.

5 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising:
removing the laser light from the frame when the frame is in the new position; engaging a cutting tool with the frame; and using the cutting tool to cut the pipe.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipe is marked with a plurality of marks, and the laser light is activated to image the laser light onto one of the marks, the laser light remains activated upon rotation to image the laser light around the outer surface of the pipe.

7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising repositioning the frame into a new position relative to the pipe, the new position being different than the first position.

8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising cutting the pipe when the frame is in the new position.

9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the frame can be repositioned several times into a new position.

10 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising cutting the pipe.

11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
removing the laser light from the frame; engaging a cutting tool with the frame; and using the cutting tool to cut the pipe.

Assignees

• Illinois Tool Works

Inventors

• Coakley Roy C

Classifications

• B23B2260/092

  Lasers · CPC title

• B23B25/06 Primary

  Measuring, gauging, or adjusting equipment on turning-machines for setting-on, feeding, controlling, or monitoring the cutting tools or work (measuring devices or gauges G01B) · CPC title

• B23D21/04

  Tube-severing machines with rotating tool-carrier · CPC title

• B23B3/265

  Surfacing or grooving flanges · CPC title

• B23B2215/72

  Tubes, pipes · CPC title