US20100043609A1 - Apparatus and method for cutting columnar items - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for cutting columnar items Download PDFInfo
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- US20100043609A1 US20100043609A1 US12/505,487 US50548709A US2010043609A1 US 20100043609 A1 US20100043609 A1 US 20100043609A1 US 50548709 A US50548709 A US 50548709A US 2010043609 A1 US2010043609 A1 US 2010043609A1
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- Prior art keywords
- blade
- arms
- arm
- frame
- item
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D1/00—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor
- B26D1/01—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work
- B26D1/04—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member
- B26D1/06—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member wherein the cutting member reciprocates
- B26D1/08—Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting member or particular materials not otherwise provided for; Apparatus or machines therefor; Cutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member wherein the cutting member reciprocates of the guillotine type
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D21/00—Machines or devices for shearing or cutting tubes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D21/00—Machines or devices for shearing or cutting tubes
- B23D21/06—Hand-operated tube-cutters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/16—Cutting rods or tubes transversely
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D5/00—Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D5/08—Means for actuating the cutting member to effect the cut
- B26D5/12—Fluid-pressure means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/01—Means for holding or positioning work
- B26D7/02—Means for holding or positioning work with clamping means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D15/00—Shearing machines or shearing devices cutting by blades which move parallel to themselves
- B23D15/12—Shearing machines or shearing devices cutting by blades which move parallel to themselves characterised by drives or gearings therefor
- B23D15/14—Shearing machines or shearing devices cutting by blades which move parallel to themselves characterised by drives or gearings therefor actuated by fluid or gas pressure
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/01—Means for holding or positioning work
- B26D2007/013—Means for holding or positioning work the work being tubes, rods or logs
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/04—Processes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/667—Tool carrier or guide affixed to work during cutting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/667—Tool carrier or guide affixed to work during cutting
- Y10T83/68—Entirely work supported
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/748—With work immobilizer
- Y10T83/7487—Means to clamp work
- Y10T83/7493—Combined with, peculiarly related to, other element
- Y10T83/7513—Tool or tool support on movable clamp jaw
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/869—Means to drive or to guide tool
- Y10T83/8821—With simple rectilinear reciprocating motion only
- Y10T83/8854—Progressively cutting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/929—Tool or tool with support
- Y10T83/9454—Reciprocable type
Definitions
- the invention generally relates to devices for cutting columnar items under water. More particularly, the invention relates to a cutting apparatus that is clamped around a portion of the columnar item during the cutting operation with a pair of arms that are both movable between disengaged and engaged positions.
- columnar items are disposed in various bodies of water throughout the world. These columnar items include solid columns manufactured from wood, concrete, or metal. The columnar items also include hollow pipes including sleeved pipes with a reinforcing material between the sleeves. Often, these columnar items must be removed below the waterline or below the sea floor or mud line. When these items are cut below the surface of the sea floor or below the mud line, the earth or mud most be removed to make room for the tool to operate. Those who perform this work want to remove as little earth or must as possible. Another desired feature for these devices is that the moving parts of the device are maintained away from the human users in order to minimize risk of injury.
- those salvaging pipes want the cut end of the pipe to be substantially round so that the pipe end may be used for another application.
- the pipe is crushed to point that it cannot be reused. The crushing can occur when the areas of the pipe immediately adjacent to the cutting action is left unsupported.
- the invention provides an apparatus for cutting columnar items wherein a pair of movable arms secure the apparatus to the columnar item before and during the cutting operation. The arms are then disengaged from the columnar item so the apparatus may be moved to a different location and reused.
- the invention provides an apparatus for cutting columnar items wherein the arms that clamp the apparatus to the item are powered remotely.
- the invention provides a cutting apparatus and a method for cutting columnar items wherein arms clamp the cutting apparatus to the item support the cutting apparatus on the item being cut. At the same time, the arms support the item being cut entirely about the outer circumference of the item immediately adjacent the cutting location to minimize deformation of the item being cut.
- the invention provides an apparatus for cutting underwater columnar items wherein the clamping arms require little space on the side of the columnar item opposite the blade.
- the arms grip the item from both sides of the item to secure the apparatus for the cutting operation.
- the arms may be held in place with hydraulic actuators that pivot the arms between their disengaged and engaged positions.
- the invention provides adjustable arm configurations for different diameter items.
- the arms are provided with removable and replaceable upper and lower segmented collars.
- the invention provides arms that define a blade slot such that the lateral edges of the blade are surrounded by the arms when the blade is extended.
- the invention provides a blade chamber that supports the blade while allowing gaps above and below the blade.
- the invention provides an apparatus for cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter
- the apparatus includes a frame and a pair of arms having outer end portions with each of the arms being movable between disengaged and engaged positions.
- Each of the arms having a portion of a support band; the portions of the support band cooperating together when the arms are in the engaged position to engage and support a circumferential portion of the columnar item adjacent the location where the columnar item will be cut.
- the outer end portions are spaced apart a distance greater than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut when the arms are in the disengaged position.
- An arm actuator is associated with each arm; each arm actuator configured to move the arm back and forth between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- the arm actuators are adapted to apply a clamping force to the arms in the engaged position.
- a blade is carried by the frame with a blade actuator associated with the blade; the blade actuator being adapted to move the blade between retracted and extended positions.
- the invention provides a cutting apparatus having a base frame that supports a movable cutting blade.
- the blade moves back and forth in a pair of opposed channels defined by the frame.
- At least one blade actuator is disposed between the blade and the frame to drive the blade back and forth between retracted and extended positions.
- First and second arms are pivotably connected to the frame and moveable between disengaged and engaged positions.
- An arm actuator is associated with each arm and drives each arm between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- Each actuator is pivotably connected to the frame and pivotably connected to the inner end of an arm.
- Each arm is pivotably connected to the frame inwardly of the connection between the arm and the actuator.
- the outer ends of the arms and a portion of the frame define a 360 degree sectioned collar that engages the columnar item.
- the blade passes above, below, or through the frame portion of the collar to engage the columnar item.
- the collar portions of the arms may define slots that receive the blade as the blade cuts through the columnar item.
- the invention also provides a method of cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter wherein the method includes the steps of: opening arms of a cutting apparatus to a disengaged position wherein the outer ends of the arms define an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut; each of the arms having a curved support band portion; moving the arms of the apparatus to opposite side of the columnar item; closing the arms to their engaged position to engage the curved support band portions of the arms with the outer surface of the columnar item to clamp the cutting apparatus to the columnar item; and moving a blade through the columnar item.
- FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the entire cutting apparatus with the arms in the closed or engaged positions.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cutting blade with the blade cover plate and upper segmented collar removed.
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cutting blade.
- FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the cutting apparatus.
- FIG. 5 is perspective view of the cutting apparatus with the arms removed and showing the cutting blade.
- FIG. 6 is perspective view of the frame that supports the cutting blade.
- FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the frame.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing how the blade is held in position with the lateral guides.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing how the blade is held in position with the blade cover plate attached.
- FIG. 10 is perspective view of the blade without the lateral guides.
- FIG. 11 is perspective view similar to FIG. 10 showing the blade actuators.
- FIG. 12 is perspective view similar to FIG. 11 with the blade removed.
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the portion of the frame that supports the blade actuators.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the front of the cutting apparatus with upper portion of arm on the left removed and the lower portion of the arm on the right removed.
- FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing the pins that connect the arms to the frame.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the complete arms and the blade cover plate.
- FIG. 17 is a front perspective view showing the arm structure.
- FIG. 18 is a front perspective view with the arms in the disengaged position.
- FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 .
- FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 showing the blade cover plate removed.
- FIG. 21 is a top view showing the cutting apparatus.
- FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the blade cover plate removed.
- FIG. 23 is a top plan view showing the cutting apparatus clamped onto a hollow pipe.
- Apparatus 2 is used to cut through a columnar item 4 such as a solid column or a hollow pipe.
- Apparatus 2 may be used to cut through or crush a variety of columnar items by pushing its blade 8 directly through the item or by repeatedly driving blade 8 against and through the item.
- Apparatus 2 is configured to function below a waterline so that the item may be cut off at or below the sea floor.
- Apparatus 2 is designed to cut items by supporting the entire circumference of the item both above and below (immediately adjacent) the area of item acted on by blade 8 . Supporting the item in this manner minimizes the crushing of the ends.
- Apparatus 2 includes a frame 6 that carries blade 8 between retracted and extended positions.
- Various blade configurations may be used.
- the exemplary configuration is a generally rectangular blade having a single pointed end that initially engages the wall of the item to be cut.
- At least one blade actuator 10 is anchored to frame 6 and is connected to blade 8 . When multiple blade actuators 10 are used, they are configured to evenly apply force to blade 8 .
- Blade actuator 10 may be a hydraulic piston-cylinder actuator that is driven back and forth with pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied by a hydraulic fluid supply device 11 such as a pump that may be located at a location remote from apparatus 2 . The movement of blade 8 may be controlled remotely so that people do not have to be near apparatus 2 during the cutting operation.
- Blade actuator 10 selectively moves blade 8 back and forth between the retracted and extended positions.
- the term actuator also encompasses a pair of devices that function together as an actuator that moves an element back and forth between two positions.
- each actuator is capable of both pushing and pulling.
- the actuator may include one device for pushing and a separate device for pulling.
- frame 6 defines a recess or an opening 12 that receives a pair of blade actuators 10 in the form of hydraulically-driven piston cylinders that push blade 8 outwardly and can also pull blade 8 back inwardly.
- the cylinders are secured to the rear portion of frame 6 while the piston rods pass through wear bushings 13 removably carried in openings 15 defined by frame 6 .
- the piston rods are connected to a blade mount 16 that is connected to the rear end of blade 8 .
- Threaded connectors 14 may be used to connect the piston rods to blade mount 16 as shown in FIG. 12 .
- Other connectors may be used to secure the piston rods to blade 8 .
- Blade mount 16 may be L-shaped with one portion extending across the top of the rear of blade 8 where it is secured in place with bolts as shown in FIGS. 3 and 23 .
- Other blade mounts 16 may be used such as one that is C-shaped. In other configurations, mount 16 may be integral with blade 8 such that the piston rods are connected directly to blade 8 .
- the lateral edges 108 of blade 8 are supported in a pair of opposed lateral guides 110 .
- Guides 110 may be provided in single C-shaped pieces or through the assembly of a plurality of pieces.
- the bottom and outer edge of guide 110 is formed as an L shaped member that is bolted down against a guide block 112 defined by frame 6 .
- the upper wall of guide 110 formed independent and is connected to the blade cover plate 130 that rests over the top of blade 8 as shown in FIG. 9 .
- Each guide 110 defines a rectangular opening sized to slidably receive one of lateral edges 108 as shown in FIGS. 2 , 8 , 9 and 20 .
- the rectangular openings face each other across the chamber that receives blade 8 .
- Guides 110 are fabricated from a material that is designed to wear out faster than blade 8 or frame 6 so that guides 110 will absorb the wear instead of the other elements of apparatus 2 .
- Guides 110 are supported from below by guide blocks 112 defined by frame 6 .
- Blocks 112 lift the lower portion of guides 110 to a position spaced from the floor 114 of a blade chamber to provide space between the bottom surface of blade 8 and the portion of frame 6 that defines the bottom of the blade chamber.
- Guides 110 are bounded laterally by lateral blocks 120 that receive the lateral edges of a blade cover plate 130 .
- wear plates 116 are carried by body 6 at the bottom of the blade chamber. Blade holder 16 slides back and forth on wear plates 116 . Wear plates 116 prevent frame 6 from wearing out as blade holder slides back and forth over frame 6 .
- Blade cover plate 130 includes its own guide blocks 132 that define a space between the upper surface of blade 8 and the lower surface of plate 130 . Blade cover plate 130 is bolted down to frame with connectors that extend down through the lateral edges of plate 130 into lateral blocks 120 .
- the front edge of blade cover plate 130 defines an upper recessed frame arc 140 .
- a lower recessed frame arc 142 is defined by frame 6 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- Frame arc 142 essentially mirrors arc 140 .
- the rear of blade cover plate 130 may be configured to provide access to the rear of blade 8 . This opening allows water to flow freely into and out of the blade chamber when blade 8 is moving back and forth during use. Access to the end of blade 8 also allows the connections between blade 8 and blade holder 16 to be checked or tightened without removing cover plate 130 .
- Apparatus 2 includes a pair of arms 20 that are configured to clamp around item 4 to support apparatus 2 from item 4 before, during, and after the cutting process.
- Arms 20 include inwardly-facing support band portions 21 configured to match the outer surface of item 4 .
- Support band portions 21 of arms 20 that engage item 4 are defined by a removable segmented collar 22 that is carried by arms 20 .
- Collar 22 allows the diameter of the support band to be changed for different items 4 .
- Arms 20 are pivotably mounted to frame 6 at arm pivot mounts 135 which are disposed on opposite sides of blade 8 or the blade chamber. Arm pivot mounts 135 may be pins. Arms 20 are movable between disengaged ( FIG. 21 ) and engaged ( FIG. 1 ) positions. Arms 20 are aligned with blade 8 such that the reference plane that contains blade 8 passes through the outer ends of arms 20 . Arms 20 cooperate to define a blade slot 133 that receives blade 8 when blade 8 is in the extended position. The blade slot defined by arms 20 is aligned with lateral guides 110 when arms 20 are in the engaged position depicted in FIG. 1 . The blade slot may extend entirely through the outer ends of arms 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 14 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 19 , and 20 .
- Each arm 20 is formed by cooperating upper 220 and lower 222 arm portions. Upper and lower arm portions may be secured together such as by connectors or by welding to prevent the upper and lower portions from spreading apart during use. When welds are used to hold arm portions 220 and 222 together, the outer lateral inner edges of portions 220 and 222 may be tapered inwardly to provide room for the weld as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 .
- Upper arm portions 220 define a recessed arc 240 and lower arm portions 222 define a recessed arc 242 .
- arcs 240 cooperate with arc 140 to define a recessed ring and arcs 242 cooperate with arc 142 to define upper and lower recessed rings.
- the outer end of each arm 20 , blade cover plate 130 , and frame 6 carry removable segmented collar 22 having portions disposed in each of the recessed rings such that there is an upper segmented collar aligned with a lower segmented collar. Segmented collar 22 is configured to engage the columnar item 4 to clamp apparatus 2 to item 4 before, during, and after the cutting process.
- segmented collar 22 defines a cylinder (having a blade slot) that is adapted to completely surround and engage the outer circumference of the columnar item to be cut.
- Collar 22 acts as a pair of pressurized support bands disposed above and below the area of item 4 being cut by blade 8 . This engagement supports apparatus 2 from item 4 before blade 8 engages item 4 .
- Collar 22 engages the entire circumference of item 4 immediately above and below blade slot 133 and thus supports the sections of item 4 immediately adjacent the cut or material removal. Supporting the areas in this manner during the cutting process results in smoother ends and less crushing than an unsupported cutting or crushing process.
- Each individual collar segment is L-shaped and sized to be carried in a portion of the recessed rings.
- the individual collar segments are removable and replaceable so that apparatus 2 may be configured for different diameter columnar items to be cut.
- the ends of collar segments may be stepped so that they overlap or interlock to provide strength and stability to apparatus 2 when arms are in the engaged position clamping apparatus to columnar item 4 .
- the individual segments are bolted to the arms 20 , frame 6 , or blade cover plate 130 .
- Apparatus 2 includes at least one arm actuator 30 configured to move each arm 20 between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- Each arm actuator 30 may be a hydraulic piston cylinder capable of being operated remotely and powered from supply 11 .
- the inner end or rear end of actuator 30 is pivotably connected at a pivot mount 136 to a shoulder 134 of frame 6 and the outer end or forward end of actuator 30 is pivotably connected to the inner end of arm 20 at a pivot mount 137 .
- the piston rod is connected to arms 20 but actuator can be reversed so that the piston rod is connected to frame 6 .
- Pivot mount 137 is spaced from pivot mount 135 by a distance that, if increase, will increase the holding force of arms 20 when actuators 30 are applying a holding force. The specific distance may be varied depending on the size of arms 20 and the size of actuators 30 .
- pivot mounts 135 , 136 , and 137 are located such that a right angle is formed between the three mounts when arms 20 are in the engaged position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 23 .
- pivot mounts 135 and 137 are disposed along a reference line disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement for blade 8 (blade direction) when arms 20 are engaged.
- pivot mounts 137 are disposed rearwardly of pivot mounts 135 .
- the connections 135 between arms 20 and frame 6 are disposed outwardly of blade 8 so that a portion of blade 8 passes between these connections as blade 8 moves between the disengaged and engaged positions.
- the arm/frame 135 and arm/actuator 137 connections are all disposed on the frame side of item 4 to be cut such that item 4 to be cut is disposed intermediate the connections 135 , 137 and the outer end portions of arms 20 .
- Arms 20 are configured such that their outer end portions move inwardly toward each other to engage item 4 from the sides like a pair of hands cupping item 4 from the sides. Arms 20 are maintained in the engaged position through the force of actuators 30 because the outer end portions are not locked together with a connector such as a pin or a bolt.
- This configuration allows apparatus 2 to be clamped around item 4 without the need for a worker to be on the side of item 4 opposite frame 4 thus increases safety and making apparatus 2 easy to use.
- This arm configuration is also beneficial to those applications wherein apparatus 2 is being used in tight spaces such as beneath the mud line or sea floor where working space is limited. Apparatus 2 requires clearance behind the item 4 to be slightly greater than the length (indicated by reference numeral 40 in FIG. 1 ) of the outer end portions of arms 20 .
- Apparatus 2 is used to cut item 4 by opening arms 20 to their disengaged position wherein the outer end portions of arms 20 define an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut.
- the user then moves apparatus 2 onto columnar item 4 so that arms 20 are moved onto opposite side of columnar item 4 .
- the user then closes the arms to their engaged position to clamp the cutting apparatus to the columnar item.
- Pressure is applied by the arm actuators to provide a clamping force to the arms while the apparatus is used to cut the item.
- the user activates the blade and moves the blade through the columnar item.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Shearing Machines (AREA)
- Crushing And Pulverization Processes (AREA)
Abstract
A cutting apparatus for columnar items such as metal pipes has a base frame that supports a movable cutting blade. At least one blade actuator is disposed between the blade and the frame to drive the blade back and forth between retracted and extended positions. First and second arms are pivotably connected to the frame and moveable between disengaged and engaged positions. An arm actuator is associated with each arm and drives each arm between the disengaged and engaged positions. A segmented collar engages the entire circumference of the columnar item being cut. The blade is supported by the frame and the arms during the cutting process while the collar supports the material of the columnar item adjacent the cut.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/081,913 filed Jul. 18, 2008 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/158,214 filed Mar. 6, 2009; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention generally relates to devices for cutting columnar items under water. More particularly, the invention relates to a cutting apparatus that is clamped around a portion of the columnar item during the cutting operation with a pair of arms that are both movable between disengaged and engaged positions.
- 2. Background Information
- A variety of columnar items are disposed in various bodies of water throughout the world. These columnar items include solid columns manufactured from wood, concrete, or metal. The columnar items also include hollow pipes including sleeved pipes with a reinforcing material between the sleeves. Often, these columnar items must be removed below the waterline or below the sea floor or mud line. When these items are cut below the surface of the sea floor or below the mud line, the earth or mud most be removed to make room for the tool to operate. Those who perform this work want to remove as little earth or must as possible. Another desired feature for these devices is that the moving parts of the device are maintained away from the human users in order to minimize risk of injury.
- In some situations, those salvaging pipes want the cut end of the pipe to be substantially round so that the pipe end may be used for another application. In some prior art devices, the pipe is crushed to point that it cannot be reused. The crushing can occur when the areas of the pipe immediately adjacent to the cutting action is left unsupported.
- The invention provides an apparatus for cutting columnar items wherein a pair of movable arms secure the apparatus to the columnar item before and during the cutting operation. The arms are then disengaged from the columnar item so the apparatus may be moved to a different location and reused.
- The invention provides an apparatus for cutting columnar items wherein the arms that clamp the apparatus to the item are powered remotely.
- The invention provides a cutting apparatus and a method for cutting columnar items wherein arms clamp the cutting apparatus to the item support the cutting apparatus on the item being cut. At the same time, the arms support the item being cut entirely about the outer circumference of the item immediately adjacent the cutting location to minimize deformation of the item being cut.
- The invention provides an apparatus for cutting underwater columnar items wherein the clamping arms require little space on the side of the columnar item opposite the blade. The arms grip the item from both sides of the item to secure the apparatus for the cutting operation.
- The arms may be held in place with hydraulic actuators that pivot the arms between their disengaged and engaged positions.
- The invention provides adjustable arm configurations for different diameter items. The arms are provided with removable and replaceable upper and lower segmented collars.
- The invention provides arms that define a blade slot such that the lateral edges of the blade are surrounded by the arms when the blade is extended.
- The invention provides a blade chamber that supports the blade while allowing gaps above and below the blade.
- In one configuration, the invention provides an apparatus for cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter wherein the apparatus includes a frame and a pair of arms having outer end portions with each of the arms being movable between disengaged and engaged positions. Each of the arms having a portion of a support band; the portions of the support band cooperating together when the arms are in the engaged position to engage and support a circumferential portion of the columnar item adjacent the location where the columnar item will be cut. The outer end portions are spaced apart a distance greater than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut when the arms are in the disengaged position. An arm actuator is associated with each arm; each arm actuator configured to move the arm back and forth between the disengaged and engaged positions. The arm actuators are adapted to apply a clamping force to the arms in the engaged position. A blade is carried by the frame with a blade actuator associated with the blade; the blade actuator being adapted to move the blade between retracted and extended positions.
- In another configuration, the invention provides a cutting apparatus having a base frame that supports a movable cutting blade. The blade moves back and forth in a pair of opposed channels defined by the frame. At least one blade actuator is disposed between the blade and the frame to drive the blade back and forth between retracted and extended positions. First and second arms are pivotably connected to the frame and moveable between disengaged and engaged positions. An arm actuator is associated with each arm and drives each arm between the disengaged and engaged positions. Each actuator is pivotably connected to the frame and pivotably connected to the inner end of an arm. Each arm is pivotably connected to the frame inwardly of the connection between the arm and the actuator. The outer ends of the arms and a portion of the frame define a 360 degree sectioned collar that engages the columnar item. The blade passes above, below, or through the frame portion of the collar to engage the columnar item. The collar portions of the arms may define slots that receive the blade as the blade cuts through the columnar item.
- The invention also provides a method of cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter wherein the method includes the steps of: opening arms of a cutting apparatus to a disengaged position wherein the outer ends of the arms define an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut; each of the arms having a curved support band portion; moving the arms of the apparatus to opposite side of the columnar item; closing the arms to their engaged position to engage the curved support band portions of the arms with the outer surface of the columnar item to clamp the cutting apparatus to the columnar item; and moving a blade through the columnar item.
-
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the entire cutting apparatus with the arms in the closed or engaged positions. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cutting blade with the blade cover plate and upper segmented collar removed. -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cutting blade. -
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the cutting apparatus. -
FIG. 5 is perspective view of the cutting apparatus with the arms removed and showing the cutting blade. -
FIG. 6 is perspective view of the frame that supports the cutting blade. -
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the frame. -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing how the blade is held in position with the lateral guides. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing how the blade is held in position with the blade cover plate attached. -
FIG. 10 is perspective view of the blade without the lateral guides. -
FIG. 11 is perspective view similar toFIG. 10 showing the blade actuators. -
FIG. 12 is perspective view similar toFIG. 11 with the blade removed. -
FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the portion of the frame that supports the blade actuators. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the front of the cutting apparatus with upper portion of arm on the left removed and the lower portion of the arm on the right removed. -
FIG. 15 is a view similar toFIG. 14 showing the pins that connect the arms to the frame. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the complete arms and the blade cover plate. -
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view showing the arm structure. -
FIG. 18 is a front perspective view with the arms in the disengaged position. -
FIG. 19 is a view similar toFIG. 18 . -
FIG. 20 is a view similar toFIG. 19 showing the blade cover plate removed. -
FIG. 21 is a top view showing the cutting apparatus. -
FIG. 22 is a view similar toFIG. 21 showing the blade cover plate removed. -
FIG. 23 is a top plan view showing the cutting apparatus clamped onto a hollow pipe. - Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
- An exemplary configuration of the cutting apparatus of the invention is indicated generally by the
numeral 2 in the accompanying drawings.Apparatus 2 is used to cut through a columnar item 4 such as a solid column or a hollow pipe.Apparatus 2 may be used to cut through or crush a variety of columnar items by pushing itsblade 8 directly through the item or by repeatedly drivingblade 8 against and through the item.Apparatus 2 is configured to function below a waterline so that the item may be cut off at or below the sea floor.Apparatus 2 is designed to cut items by supporting the entire circumference of the item both above and below (immediately adjacent) the area of item acted on byblade 8. Supporting the item in this manner minimizes the crushing of the ends. -
Apparatus 2 includes aframe 6 that carriesblade 8 between retracted and extended positions. Various blade configurations may be used. The exemplary configuration is a generally rectangular blade having a single pointed end that initially engages the wall of the item to be cut. At least oneblade actuator 10 is anchored to frame 6 and is connected toblade 8. Whenmultiple blade actuators 10 are used, they are configured to evenly apply force toblade 8.Blade actuator 10 may be a hydraulic piston-cylinder actuator that is driven back and forth with pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied by a hydraulic fluid supply device 11 such as a pump that may be located at a location remote fromapparatus 2. The movement ofblade 8 may be controlled remotely so that people do not have to benear apparatus 2 during the cutting operation.Blade actuator 10 selectively movesblade 8 back and forth between the retracted and extended positions. In the context of this application, the term actuator also encompasses a pair of devices that function together as an actuator that moves an element back and forth between two positions. In the exemplary configurations, each actuator is capable of both pushing and pulling. In other configurations, the actuator may include one device for pushing and a separate device for pulling. - In the exemplary configuration,
frame 6 defines a recess or anopening 12 that receives a pair ofblade actuators 10 in the form of hydraulically-driven piston cylinders that pushblade 8 outwardly and can also pullblade 8 back inwardly. The cylinders are secured to the rear portion offrame 6 while the piston rods pass throughwear bushings 13 removably carried inopenings 15 defined byframe 6. The piston rods are connected to ablade mount 16 that is connected to the rear end ofblade 8. Threaded connectors 14 may be used to connect the piston rods toblade mount 16 as shown inFIG. 12 . Other connectors may be used to secure the piston rods toblade 8. This mounting configuration alignsactuators 10 withblade 8 so that the pushing force ofactuators 10 is aligned withblade 8.Blade mount 16 may be L-shaped with one portion extending across the top of the rear ofblade 8 where it is secured in place with bolts as shown inFIGS. 3 and 23 . Other blade mounts 16 may be used such as one that is C-shaped. In other configurations, mount 16 may be integral withblade 8 such that the piston rods are connected directly toblade 8. - The lateral edges 108 of
blade 8 are supported in a pair of opposed lateral guides 110.Guides 110 may be provided in single C-shaped pieces or through the assembly of a plurality of pieces. In the exemplary configuration, the bottom and outer edge ofguide 110 is formed as an L shaped member that is bolted down against aguide block 112 defined byframe 6. The upper wall ofguide 110 formed independent and is connected to theblade cover plate 130 that rests over the top ofblade 8 as shown inFIG. 9 . Eachguide 110 defines a rectangular opening sized to slidably receive one oflateral edges 108 as shown inFIGS. 2 , 8, 9 and 20. The rectangular openings face each other across the chamber that receivesblade 8.Guides 110 are fabricated from a material that is designed to wear out faster thanblade 8 orframe 6 so that guides 110 will absorb the wear instead of the other elements ofapparatus 2. -
Guides 110 are supported from below byguide blocks 112 defined byframe 6.Blocks 112 lift the lower portion ofguides 110 to a position spaced from thefloor 114 of a blade chamber to provide space between the bottom surface ofblade 8 and the portion offrame 6 that defines the bottom of the blade chamber.Guides 110 are bounded laterally bylateral blocks 120 that receive the lateral edges of ablade cover plate 130. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , wearplates 116 are carried bybody 6 at the bottom of the blade chamber.Blade holder 16 slides back and forth onwear plates 116. Wearplates 116 preventframe 6 from wearing out as blade holder slides back and forth overframe 6. -
Blade cover plate 130 includes its own guide blocks 132 that define a space between the upper surface ofblade 8 and the lower surface ofplate 130.Blade cover plate 130 is bolted down to frame with connectors that extend down through the lateral edges ofplate 130 into lateral blocks 120. - The front edge of
blade cover plate 130 defines an upper recessedframe arc 140. A lower recessedframe arc 142 is defined byframe 6 as shown inFIG. 7 .Frame arc 142 essentially mirrorsarc 140. - The rear of
blade cover plate 130 may be configured to provide access to the rear ofblade 8. This opening allows water to flow freely into and out of the blade chamber whenblade 8 is moving back and forth during use. Access to the end ofblade 8 also allows the connections betweenblade 8 andblade holder 16 to be checked or tightened without removingcover plate 130. -
Apparatus 2 includes a pair ofarms 20 that are configured to clamp around item 4 to supportapparatus 2 from item 4 before, during, and after the cutting process.Arms 20 include inwardly-facingsupport band portions 21 configured to match the outer surface of item 4.Support band portions 21 ofarms 20 that engage item 4 are defined by a removablesegmented collar 22 that is carried byarms 20.Collar 22 allows the diameter of the support band to be changed for different items 4. -
Arms 20 are pivotably mounted toframe 6 at arm pivot mounts 135 which are disposed on opposite sides ofblade 8 or the blade chamber. Arm pivot mounts 135 may be pins.Arms 20 are movable between disengaged (FIG. 21 ) and engaged (FIG. 1 ) positions.Arms 20 are aligned withblade 8 such that the reference plane that containsblade 8 passes through the outer ends ofarms 20.Arms 20 cooperate to define ablade slot 133 that receivesblade 8 whenblade 8 is in the extended position. The blade slot defined byarms 20 is aligned withlateral guides 110 whenarms 20 are in the engaged position depicted inFIG. 1 . The blade slot may extend entirely through the outer ends ofarms 20 as shown inFIGS. 1 , 2, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20. - Each
arm 20 is formed by cooperating upper 220 and lower 222 arm portions. Upper and lower arm portions may be secured together such as by connectors or by welding to prevent the upper and lower portions from spreading apart during use. When welds are used to holdarm portions portions FIGS. 15 and 17 . -
Upper arm portions 220 define a recessedarc 240 andlower arm portions 222 define a recessedarc 242. Whenarms 20 are in the engaged position, arcs 240 cooperate witharc 140 to define a recessed ring and arcs 242 cooperate witharc 142 to define upper and lower recessed rings. The outer end of eacharm 20,blade cover plate 130, andframe 6 carry removablesegmented collar 22 having portions disposed in each of the recessed rings such that there is an upper segmented collar aligned with a lower segmented collar.Segmented collar 22 is configured to engage the columnar item 4 to clampapparatus 2 to item 4 before, during, and after the cutting process. Whenarms 20 are in the engaged position as shown inFIG. 1 , segmentedcollar 22 defines a cylinder (having a blade slot) that is adapted to completely surround and engage the outer circumference of the columnar item to be cut.Collar 22 acts as a pair of pressurized support bands disposed above and below the area of item 4 being cut byblade 8. This engagement supportsapparatus 2 from item 4 beforeblade 8 engages item 4.Collar 22 engages the entire circumference of item 4 immediately above and belowblade slot 133 and thus supports the sections of item 4 immediately adjacent the cut or material removal. Supporting the areas in this manner during the cutting process results in smoother ends and less crushing than an unsupported cutting or crushing process. - Each individual collar segment is L-shaped and sized to be carried in a portion of the recessed rings. The individual collar segments are removable and replaceable so that
apparatus 2 may be configured for different diameter columnar items to be cut. The ends of collar segments may be stepped so that they overlap or interlock to provide strength and stability toapparatus 2 when arms are in the engaged position clamping apparatus to columnar item 4. The individual segments are bolted to thearms 20,frame 6, orblade cover plate 130. -
Apparatus 2 includes at least onearm actuator 30 configured to move eacharm 20 between the disengaged and engaged positions. Eacharm actuator 30 may be a hydraulic piston cylinder capable of being operated remotely and powered from supply 11. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 21 , the inner end or rear end ofactuator 30 is pivotably connected at apivot mount 136 to ashoulder 134 offrame 6 and the outer end or forward end ofactuator 30 is pivotably connected to the inner end ofarm 20 at apivot mount 137. In the exemplary configuration, the piston rod is connected toarms 20 but actuator can be reversed so that the piston rod is connected toframe 6.Pivot mount 137 is spaced frompivot mount 135 by a distance that, if increase, will increase the holding force ofarms 20 whenactuators 30 are applying a holding force. The specific distance may be varied depending on the size ofarms 20 and the size ofactuators 30. In some configurations, pivot mounts 135, 136, and 137 are located such that a right angle is formed between the three mounts whenarms 20 are in the engaged position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 23 . In this configuration, pivot mounts 135 and 137 are disposed along a reference line disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement for blade 8 (blade direction) whenarms 20 are engaged. Whenarms 30 are in the disengaged position, pivot mounts 137 are disposed rearwardly of pivot mounts 135. Theconnections 135 betweenarms 20 andframe 6 are disposed outwardly ofblade 8 so that a portion ofblade 8 passes between these connections asblade 8 moves between the disengaged and engaged positions. The arm/frame 135 and arm/actuator 137 connections are all disposed on the frame side of item 4 to be cut such that item 4 to be cut is disposed intermediate theconnections arms 20. -
Arms 20 are configured such that their outer end portions move inwardly toward each other to engage item 4 from the sides like a pair of hands cupping item 4 from the sides.Arms 20 are maintained in the engaged position through the force ofactuators 30 because the outer end portions are not locked together with a connector such as a pin or a bolt. This configuration allowsapparatus 2 to be clamped around item 4 without the need for a worker to be on the side of item 4 opposite frame 4 thus increases safety and makingapparatus 2 easy to use. This arm configuration is also beneficial to those applications whereinapparatus 2 is being used in tight spaces such as beneath the mud line or sea floor where working space is limited.Apparatus 2 requires clearance behind the item 4 to be slightly greater than the length (indicated byreference numeral 40 inFIG. 1 ) of the outer end portions ofarms 20. -
Apparatus 2 is used to cut item 4 by openingarms 20 to their disengaged position wherein the outer end portions ofarms 20 define an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut. The user then movesapparatus 2 onto columnar item 4 so thatarms 20 are moved onto opposite side of columnar item 4. The user then closes the arms to their engaged position to clamp the cutting apparatus to the columnar item. Pressure is applied by the arm actuators to provide a clamping force to the arms while the apparatus is used to cut the item. Once positioned and clamped to item 4, the user activates the blade and moves the blade through the columnar item. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (17)
1. An apparatus for cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter, the apparatus comprising:
a frame;
a pair of arms having outer end portions; each of the arms being movable between disengaged and engaged positions;
each of the arms having a portion of a support band; the portions of the support band cooperating together when the arms are in the engaged position to engage and support a circumferential portion of the columnar item adjacent the location where the columnar item will be cut;
the outer end portions being spaced apart a distance greater than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut when the arms are in the disengaged position;
an arm actuator associated with each arm; each arm actuator configured to move the arm back and forth between the disengaged and engaged positions;
the arm actuators adapted to apply a clamping force to the arms in the engaged position;
a blade carried by the frame; and
a blade actuator associated with the blade; the blade actuator adapted to move the blade between retracted and extended positions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arms define a blade slot that extends through the outer end portions of the arms; the blade being disposed in the blade slot when the blade is in the extended position.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the arms include a segmented removable collar that defines the support band.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the segmented removable collar includes upper and lower segmented collar disposed above and below the blade slot.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each arm is connected to the frame at an arm pivot mount; each arm actuator being connected to an arm at an actuator pivot mount; a reference line passing through the arm pivot mount and the actuator pivot mount being perpendicular to the blade direction when the arms are in the engaged position.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein each actuator pivot mount is disposed intermediate the columnar item and the blade actuator when the apparatus is clamped to the columnar item.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the blade has a pair of lateral edges; the frame including a pair of opposed removable lateral blade guides; the lateral edges of the blade being disposed in the removable lateral blade guides.
8. An apparatus for cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter, the apparatus comprising:
a frame defining upper and lower recessed frame arcs;
a pair of arms having outer end portions; each of the arms being pivotably connected to the frame; each of the arms being movable between disengaged and engaged positions;
the arms defining a blade slot, an upper recessed arm arc, and a lower recessed arm arc;
when the arms are in the engaged position, the upper recessed arm arc cooperating with the upper recessed frame arc to define an upper recessed ring;
when the arms are in the engaged position, the lower recessed arm arc cooperating with the lower recessed frame arc to define an lower recessed ring;
an upper segmented collar carried by the upper recessed ring and a lower segmented collar carried by the lower recessed ring;
each of the segmented collars defining support band portions immediately adjacent the blade slot; the support band portions adapted to engage and support the columnar item adjacent the location where the columnar item will be cut;
the outer end portions of the arms being spaced apart a distance greater than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut when the arms are in the disengaged position;
an arm actuator associated with each arm; each arm actuator configured to move the arm back and forth between the disengaged and engaged positions; the arm actuators adapted to apply a clamping force to the arms in the engaged position;
a blade carried by the frame; and
a blade actuator associated with the blade; the blade actuator adapted to move the blade between retracted and extended positions.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the frame includes a removable blade cover; the upper recessed frame arc being defined by the removable blade cover; the blade being disposed under the blade cover when the blade is in the disengaged position.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the blade has a pair of lateral edges; the frame including a pair of opposed removable lateral blade guides; the lateral edges of the blade being disposed in the removable lateral blade guides.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein portions of the removable lateral blade guides are carried by the removable blade cover.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the upper and lower segmented collars are removable from the recessed rings.
13. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein each arm is connected to the frame at an arm pivot mount; each arm actuator being connected to an arm at an actuator pivot mount; a reference line passing through the arm pivot mount and the actuator pivot mount being perpendicular to the blade direction when the arms are in the engaged position.
14. A method of cutting a columnar item having an outer diameter; the method comprising the steps of:
opening arms of a cutting apparatus to a disengaged position wherein the outer ends of the arms define an opening that is larger than the outer diameter of the columnar item to be cut; each of the arms having a curved support band portion;
moving the arms of the apparatus to opposite side of the columnar item;
closing the arms to their engaged position to engage the curved support band portions of the arms with the outer surface of the columnar item to clamp the cutting apparatus to the columnar item; and
moving a blade through the columnar item.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising the step of supporting the columnar item with the support band portions of the arms above and below the blade location entirely around the outer circumference of the columnar item.
16. The method of claim 14 , further comprising the step of applying closing pressure to the arms while the blade is being moved through the columnar item.
17. The method of claim 14 , further comprising the step of moving the blade through a slot defined by the arms when the blade is moved through columnar item.
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US13/681,721 US9242388B2 (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2012-11-20 | Apparatus and method for cutting columnar items |
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WO2013005149A1 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2013-01-10 | Pbr Technology S.R.L. | A device for cutting large diameter pipes |
CN102699944B (en) * | 2012-06-26 | 2015-02-11 | 金红叶纸业集团有限公司 | Cutting device and clamping device thereof |
CN102699944A (en) * | 2012-06-26 | 2012-10-03 | 金红叶纸业集团有限公司 | Cutting device and clamping device thereof |
US20160214188A1 (en) * | 2013-09-30 | 2016-07-28 | Motocut Oy | Cutting device and a method for treating a pile |
GB2528664A (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2016-02-03 | Allspeeds Holdings Ltd | A subsea cutting tool and a blade therefor |
WO2018190722A1 (en) | 2017-05-08 | 2018-10-18 | Verhuur- En Loonbedrijf Schuurman B.V. | Rotary cutting device |
CN107160470A (en) * | 2017-07-04 | 2017-09-15 | 天津九幻机械科技有限公司 | A kind of environmental protecting device |
US20190134724A1 (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2019-05-09 | Rotech Group Limited | Cutting tool |
EP3482858A1 (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2019-05-15 | Rotech Group Limited | Improved underwater cutting tool |
GB2570034B (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2020-09-09 | Rotech Group Ltd | An underwater tool comprising a grabber arrangement and a cutter arrangement |
WO2019108066A1 (en) * | 2017-11-29 | 2019-06-06 | Smart Installations As | Method for cutting a tubular structure at a drill floor and a cutting tool for carrying out such method |
US11453145B2 (en) * | 2020-01-13 | 2022-09-27 | Leon Trudeau | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
US11813773B2 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2023-11-14 | Leon Trudeau | Apparatus and methods for truncating elongated members |
CN115041741A (en) * | 2022-06-27 | 2022-09-13 | 中国船舶科学研究中心 | Underwater shearer based on deep sea environment pressure and shearing method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US9242388B2 (en) | 2016-01-26 |
US20130152759A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 |
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