Alignment device, and method of alignment using an alignment device

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9556983-B2
Application number	US-201314419359-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Aug 2, 2013
Priority date	Aug 3, 2012
Publication date	Jan 31, 2017
Grant date	Jan 31, 2017

Abstract

An alignment device is configured to receive, in a generally aligned configuration, workpieces which are to be joined together. In addition, the device is further configured such that, in use of the device, a joining line between the two workpieces is visible for checking alignment, and such that, in use of the device, each workpiece can be marked at a predetermined distance from the joining line. The device and a method of alignment using the device are particularly suited to the joining of pipes in the construction of marine vessels.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A method of joining together two pipes using a mechanical joining device, the method comprising:
moveably locating the mechanical joining device on one of the pipes;
bringing the pipes into position for joining together;
attaching an alignment device to the pipes at a joint between the pipes, the alignment device configured to receive, in a generally aligned configuration, the two pipes; the alignment device being further configured such that, in use, a joining line between the two pipes is visible for checking alignment, and such that, in use, each pipe can be marked at a predetermined distance from the joining line;
checking alignment of the pipes, and if necessary adjusting the position of one or more of the pipes until the correct alignment is achieved;
marking the correct position of the mechanical joining device on the pipes, using the alignment device;
removing the alignment device from the pipes, and sliding the mechanical joining device to the position marked on the pipes; and
fastening the mechanical joining device to join the pipes together.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the alignment device has a first, open configuration, and a second, closed configuration, such that the alignment device can be attached to, and removed from, pipes in a generally aligned configuration suitable for the joining together thereof.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the alignment device further comprises one or more fasteners operable to lock the device in the closed configuration.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the alignment device further comprises a shoulder, which shoulder, in the closed position, projects generally inwardly such that the alignment device is accurately locatable on the pipes.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the alignment device is generally cylindrical in the closed configuration.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein slots are machined in the alignment device to enable one or more of the checking of the alignment of the pipes and marking of the pipes.

Assignees

• Bae Systems Plc

Inventors

• Percival Kenneth

Classifications

• F16L2201/10

  Indicators for correct coupling · CPC title

• F16L1/10 Primary

  for aligning · CPC title

• Y10T29/49895

  Associating parts by use of aligning means [e.g., use of a drift pin or a "fixture"] · CPC title

• F16L21/065 Primary

  tightened by tangentially-arranged threaded pins · CPC title

• B25B5/147

  for pipes · CPC title