Patent US3924316A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3924316A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tube pushing apparatus
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1975-02-20
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Granted: 1975-12-09
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Expires: 1995-02-20
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for pushing tubes into a heat exchanger comprising a base portion having two guide pins which register with two holes in a tube sheet, and two concave idler rollers which cooperate with two pneumatically driven rollers to push the tubes into the heat exchanger.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas D Matlock
- 👤 Kenneth R Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:28
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23P; B23P19/00; B23P19/02; B23P19/022; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/53; Y10T29/53026; Y10T29/53113; Y10T29/53652; Y10T29/53987
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
An apparatus for pushing tubes through holes in a tube sheet of a heat exchanger, said apparatus comprising a base portion, a plurality of guide pins which register with holes in the tube sheet to position the base plate relative to a specific hole through which a tube is to be pushed, at least one idler roller disposed on said base portion, at least one drive roller disposed on said base portion, said rollers being cooperatively associated to align said tube with said specific hole, means for driving said drive rollers to push said tube through said specific hole and into said heat exchanger.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
104 words
An apparatus for pushing tubes through holes in a tube sheet of a heat exchanger, said apparatus comprising a base portion, a plurality of guide pins which register with holes in the tube sheet to position the base plate relative to a specific hole through which a tube is to be pushed, at least one idler roller disposed on said base portion, at least one drive roller disposed on said base portion, said rollers being cooperatively associated to align said tube with said specific hole, means for driving said drive rollers to push said tube through said specific hole and into said heat exchanger.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said rollers has a concave surface which generally conforms to the outside surface of said tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein there are two idler rollers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein there are two drive rollers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of said guide pins has cooperatively associated therewith means for expanding said pin into engagement with said hole with which it registers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the last-mentioned guide pin is partially formed of an elastomer sleeve and the means for expanding the pin into engagement with the hole comprises means for compressing said elastomer member axially, whereby it expands into radial engagement with said hole.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the means for driving said drive roller is an air motor which has a limited torque output so as to stall, if said tube jams as it is being pushed into said heat exchanger.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein the means for driving said drive roller is an air motor which has a limited torque output so as to stall, if said tube jams as it is being pushed into said heat exchanger.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the drive rollers are covered with an elastomer sleeve.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the drive roller is covered with an elastomer sleeve.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein the means for expanding said pin and the means for driving said drive rollers are actuated by a common valve means so as to respond simultaneously.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-08 | 1979-06-09 | 1979-12-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-08 | 1983-06-09 | 1983-12-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-08 | 1987-06-09 | 1987-12-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |