US3051061A - Tube forming machine construction - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 28, 1962 J. c. BAXTER ETAL TUBE FORMING MACHINE CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 10, 1959 M an V WK J Q 8 mm h x m m mm mm N PM QN MQ a a Vm a mid ATTORNEYS Aug. 28, 1962 Filed March 10, 1959 J. C. BAXTER ETAL TUBE FORMING MACHINE CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets$heet 2.

INVENTORS Jam iBawkerw Ray Gawizzgr 12 /zewi w ATTORNEYS Aug. 28, 1962 .1. c. BAXTER ETAL 3, 6

TUBE FORMING MACHINE CONSTRUCTION Filed March 10, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS JwmasLZBaacZerw Rwy (ion/tug '3:

ATTORNEYS Aug. 28, 1962 J- C. BAXTER ETAL TUBE FORMING MACHINE CONSTRUCTION Filed March 10, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS James aBaocfierw Rwy lo g ATTORNEYS Aug. 28, 1962 J. c. BAXTER ETAL TUBE FORMING MACHINE CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 10, 1959 ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,051,061 Patented Aug. 28, 1962 3,051,061 TUBE FORMING MAtZHlNE CONSTRUCTION James C. Baxter, Minerva, and Raymond A. (lowing, Canton, Ohio; said Gowing assignor to said Baxter Filed FVIQI- 10, 1959, Ser. No. 798,385 7 Claims. (Cl. 9380) Our invention relates to improvements in tube forming machine construction preferably of the type used for spirally Winding paper tubes and the like. More specifically our invention relates to a tube forming machine of this type having a unique cutoff device thereon for automatically cutting off continuously formed tubing into predetermined exact lengths.

Various forms of cutoff devices have been provided previously on tube forming machines, all of which. have had certain disadvantages, particularly when certain types of tubing are formed such as, for instance, relatively large diameter, thin Walled tubing. Thus, these prior cutoff devices have lacked the versatility necessary to cover the entire field of tube forming and have required the provision of additional time consuming operations and expensive equipment in order that all types of tubing may be produced.

The basic construction of tube forming machine has included a stationary mandrel around which is wound a series of partially overlapped, flat, continuous strips of material such as paper. These strips of paper are spirally or helically wound on the stationary mandrel by means or" a continuous helically wrapped rotating belt which surrounds the overlapped paper strips and stationary mandrel so as to continuously helically wrap the strips around the mandrel and at the same time progressively move the thusly formed paper tubing longitudinally along and off a free end of the mandrel.

An important factor to be considered in providing the necessary cutoff device for these tube forming machines is that the tubing is being spirally or helically Wound so that it is not only moving longitudinally with reference to the stationary mandrel, but is also continuously rotating around the stationary mandrel. Thus, it is difficult to accurately cut off the tubing since the cutoff means, such as cutoff knives, must move longitudinally with the tubing at precisely the same speed as the tubing in order to provide an even cut, and at the same time must be at an exact position in relation to the leading end of the tubing, which position is likewise continuously moving longitudinally, in order to provide the proper cutoff length.

One prior form of cutoff device has been mounted on a longitudinally movable carriage, the movement of such carriage being directly geared to and related to the linear movement of the strips fed to the tube forming machine and which ultimately make up the helically formed tube. With such a construction, when the linear speedof the strips is increased, the speed of longitudinal movement of the cutoff carriage is increased, to thereby attempt to relate the speed of the cutoff carriage to the speed of longitudinal travel of the tubing as it is being formed.

The principal difficulty with this form of prior device is that the speed of longitudinal travel of the tubing as it is being formed is not directly related to the linear speed of the strips forming the tubing, since other variables are involved. For instance, variations in the amount of overlap in the various strips will cause the longitudinal speed of the tubing to change, even though the linear speed of the strips remains constant, and this with other variables can cause the lengths of tubing being cut off to vary a considerable amount.

Another prior form of cutofi device used in combination with tube forming machines has .included cutoff knives mounted on a longitudinally movable carriage and being directly connected to a paddle on target which normally lies in the path of the leading end of the tubing. With such a device, the leading end of the tubing strikes the paddle, carrying the paddle and its connected cutoff carriage and knives with the tubing until the knives have severed the tubing, at which time the paddle is released from the tubing and the cutoff device carriage returns to its starting position.

With this construction, of course, the leading end of the tubing must leave the stationary mandrel before it strikes the paddle which supplies movement to the cutoff carriage and knives. For this reason, in the forming of tubing having a relatively large diameter and thin Walls, the rigidity of the tubing is insufficient to properly move the paddle without at least at times crumpling and kink.- ing the tubing providing inaccurate cutoff lengths, scrap pieces and many interruptions in the forming process.

Another factor is that any slight roughness or burr at the leading end of the tubing will cause inaccuracies in the cutoff length since, of course, the paddle abuts against this leading end to establish the reference point. Thus, with all of these prior cutoff devices, it has been necessary to first cut the tubing to a rough length and then in a further operation to recut the tubing to its exact desired length.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a tube forming machine cutoff device which solves the foregoing problems and eliminates the stated disadvantages.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a tube forming machine cutoff device which first establishes a predetermined and exact relationship with the longitudinally moving and rotating tubing, and from such relationship severs the tubing to an exact predetermined length.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tube forming machine cutoff device which circumferentially grips the tubing while the tubing continues to move longitudinally and rotatably, to thereby establish a predetermined and exact relationshipv between the cutters of the cutoff device and the tubing, so that the cutters may then sever the tubing in a predetermined and exact length. 1

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tube forming machine cutoff device which circumferentially grips the tubing and thereby exactly moves the cutters of such cutoff device with the precise movement of the tubing, with this gripping means, although maintaining circumferential engagement with the axially moving and rotating tubing, not restricting or hindering such movement of the tubing.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tube forming machine cutoflf device which preferably circumferentially grips the tubing at a portion of the tubing which is located still surrounding a portion of the stationary mandrel on the tube forming machine, so that even though tubing having a very thin Wall is being wound, the wall will be prevented from collapsing due to the support of the internal stationary mandrel.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a tube forming machine cutoff device in which the cutters are preferably mounted rotatable on centers which reciprocate radially toward and away from diametrically opposite sides of the longitudinally and rotatably moving tubing, and the cutters sever the tubing against stationary hardened inserts on the stationary internal mandrel.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a tube forming machine cutoff device in which preferably electronic means is used for sighting the progressively moving leading end of the tubing at a predetermined point, for causing gripping means to engage the tubing to thereby establish the desired constant relation- 3 ship between the longitudinally and rotatably moving tubing and the cutters of the cutoff device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tube forming machine cutoff device which accomplishes all of the above objects in a relatively simple and efficient manner and at a minimum cost.

These and other objects are accomplished by the parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and subcombinations comprising the present invention, the nature of which is set forth in the following general statement, a preferred embodiment of which-illustrative of the best mode of which applicants have contemplated applying the principles-is set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and which is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming a part hereof.

In general terms, the improvements comprising the present invention includea unique tube cutoff device or mechanism preferably in combination with a tube forming machine which forms a continuous length of tubing. The tube forming machine may include a stationary mandrel, strip supply means for supplying partially overlapped strips to the mandrel, and helical winding means for winding the strips helically around the mandrel to form preferably continuously longitudinally and rotatably moving tubing.

In broad terms, the cutoff device may include means for circumferentially gripping the longitudinally and rotatably moving tubing, without restricting said longitudinal and rotatable movement, in order to establish an exact reference point on the tubing despite its motion. Further, the cutoff device includes severing means operably connected to and movable with the gripping means for cutting off the tubing at an exact predetermined location while the tubing continues to move. The primary movement of the gripping and severing means with the tubing and in exact relationship to the tubing may be accomplished by independent motivation so that the power for moving this gripping and severing means is not taken entirely from the tubing, but the gripping means will still retain the exact and direct relationship of movement between the tubing and the gripping and severing means.

More specifically, the gripping means may include clutch means circumferentially surrounding the tubing and mandrel, with this clutch means being longitudinally movably mounted on carriage means. Also mounted on this same carriage means is the severing means preferably in the form of a cutoff knife mechanism. Finally, the operation of the gripping means and severing means is correlated preferably through a fluid power system and electrical circuit with electronic sighting means, which sighting means is responsive to a sighting at the leading end of the tubing for operating the gripping means and severing means to establish the exact length of tubing to be cut off in each severing operation.

By way of example, an embodiment of the tube forming machine construction of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a tube forming machine in combination with the cutoff mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2, a side elevation of the tube forming machine and cutoff device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3, an end view, part in section, looking in the 6 in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 7-7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 9-9 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 10-10 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 11-11 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13, an enlarged end view, with parts broken away and parts in section, of the clutch mechanism forming the gripping device in the cutoff mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 14, a vertical fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 14-14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 15-15 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16, a view similar to FIG. 15, but showing the clutch mechanism in engaged position;

FIG. 17, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 17-17 in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18, a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 1'8-18 in FIG. 14; and

FIG. 19, a perspective view showing a guide mem ber removed from the clutch mechanism of FIGS. 13 through 18.

The tube forming machine construction comprising the present invention may include a conventional tube forming machine, generally indicated at 20, having only slight modifications and having a particular cutoff device or mechanism 21 attached thereto and used in combination therewith. Although the cutoff mechanism of the present invention is shown in combination with this conventional tube forming machine, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the combination of the unique cutoff mechanism with a tube forming machine, but rather the principles of this cutoff mechanism may be used advantageously otherwise for cutting off material to exact length which is moving longitudinally or axially, while the material remains in such movement.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the tube forming machine 20 includes a three-dimensional base member 22 having a mandrel mounting member 23 secured to the top surface 24 thereof and at one end. The stationary preferably hollow cylindrical mandrel 25 is mounted on the member 23 in cantilever fashion, extending over and slightly beyond the length of base member 22 and spaced upwardly from the top surface 24 by means of a pair of clamp members 26.

Also secured to the top surface 24 of base member 22 is a spiral or helical winding mechanism 27 which is mounted approximately midway of the length of base member 22 and extends upwardly adjacent the sides of mandrel 25. Winding mechanism 27 is provided with a pair of rotatable drums 28, one being journalled at either side of mandrel 25 with the axes thereof extending vertically and being connected through usual power transmission means 29, such as gears and the like, to an electric motor 30 mounted beneath the base member 22.

Still further, at least one of the drums 28 is also mounted so that its axis is movable toward and away from the side of mandrel 25 by any usual means such as the fluid cylinder 31, so that an endless flat belt 32 may be mounted extending around the drums 28 and also around the mandrel 25. Belt 32 is mounted with a double spiral or helical wrap around the mandrel 25 and upon rotation of the drums 28 moves endlessly around the mandrel in this spiral or helical fashion, always tending to move toward the free end 33 of mandrel 25 but actually remaining at one position longitudinally with reference to the mandrel and drums.

Finally, the tube forming machine 20 is provided with the strip supply means 34 including the strip guides 35 which may be any number, but in this case guide the four generally flat strips 36 in partially overlapped positions to the mandrel 25 for forming the spirally or helically wound tubing 37. Strips 36 could be of any material from which it is desired to form the tubing 37, but usually are of paper and are fed from supply rolls, not shown. Furthermore, the strips 36 forming the outer layers of the tubing 37 are directed through glue pots for applying glue to the inner sides thereof, while the innermost strip is preferably waxed, so that tubing 37 slides freely along the mandrel 25 as it is being formed and toward the cutofi mechanism 21.

Thus, to begin operation of the tube forming machine 20, the strips 36 are pulled from the strip supply means 34 and wrapped helically around the mandrel 25, as shown, with these strips being wrapped longitudinally along the mandrel to and beneath the fiat belt 32, that is, between the inner surface of the flat belt and the outer surface of the mandrel. Then by rotating flat belt '32 through drums 28, power transmission means 29 and motor 30, the strips 36 are continuously helically wound around the mandrel 25 by the flat belt 32 to form the tubing 37, which tubing moves continuously axially or longitudinally along the mandrel and off the free end 33 thereof. As previously stated, this tube forming machine 20, to the extent thus far described, is conventional and does not form a part of the present invention except in the particular combination hereinafter described and claimed.

The cutoff device 21, referring first to FIGS. 1 through 5, includes gripping means generally indicated at 38, severing means generally indicated at 39, and sighting or indicating means generally indicated at 40, all operably connected to the tube forming machine 20 for continuously cutting olf to predetermined exact lengths the tubing 37 being continuously formed on the tube forming machine. Further, this cutofi device 21 is mounted on the top surface 24 of the base member 22 at the end thereof opposite the mandrel mounting member 23, underlying a portion of mandrel 25 including the free end 33 thereof and extending longitudinally outwardly from the base member and mandrel.

A cutofi device mounting member 41 is clamped to the base member top horizontal surface 24 by means of the clamp members 42 and extends longitudinally outwardly beneath the mandrel free end 33 and away from base member 22, with this mounting member supporting the spaced longitudinally extending guides 43. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, guides 43 are secured at one end to the mounting member 41 and extend longitudinally away from the base member 22, being secured at'a location spaced longitudinally from the base member to -a vertically extending supporting stand 44.

Gripping means 38, severing means 39, and sighting or indicating means 40' are all operably mounted on a cutoff device carriage 45, which carriage is longitudinally slidably mounted on the guides 43 by means of longitudinally spaced pairs of laterally spaced bearing slides 46. Also, a gear motor '47 is mounted on carriage 45 extending vertically downwardly between the guides 43, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, having a gear 48 mounted thereon to be driven by this motor and engaged with a rack 49 mounted on and beneath the left-hand guide 43, as viewed in FIG. 3. 4

Thus, the entire cutolf device carriage 45' is mounted slidable longitudinally with reference to the mandrel 25 and may be moved from its operating position, shown in the drawings, to a position completely longitudinally removed from mandrel 25 by means of the gear motor 47, gear 48 and rack 49, such motor being an electric motor and having the usual electrical controls. With this construction, the tube forming machine 2 0 may be initially set up and initially operated with the working portions of the cutoff device 21 removed longitudinally from the mandrel 25, until all necessary adjustments for proper tube forming have been made, after which, by operation of the gear motor 47, the working parts of the cutolf device may be then moved into their working position, as shown in the drawings, with the gripping means 38 surrounding the mandrel and the severing means 39 adjacent the free end of the mandrel.

A second pair of spaced longitudinally extending gripping and severing means guides 50 are mounted on the carriage at the left-hand portion thereof, as viewed in FIG. 2, underlying a portion of mandrel 25 and the free end 33 thereof, with guides longitudinally slidably mounting the gripping and severing means 38 and 39 in the form of a gripping clutch 51 and the cutoif knives 52. Clutch 51 and knives 52 are both slidably mounted on the guides 50 on a common pair of bearing slides 53, so that the clutch and knives have a preset and immovable relationship with each other and move in unison maintaining such relationship longitudinally along the guides 50.

As best shown in FIGS. 7, l0 and 12, the clutch 51 is generally hollow cylindrical in configuration and normally surrounds the mandrel 25. Further, clutch 51 is mounted on the bearing slides 53 by means of the vertically slotted lugs 54 which extend vertically upwardly from slides 53 and are slidably received in the generally U-shaped cross section mounting bars 55 secured to the side portions of clutch 51. Still further, bolts 56 are received loosely through the preferably upwardly opening slots 57 of lugs 54 and are secured in the mounting bars 55 to retain lugs 54 Within the U-shaped recesses 58 of bars 55.

As viewed in FIG. 12, the longitudinal widths of the lugs 54 are a measured amount less than, the longitudinal widths of the U-shaped recesses 58 in bars 55, so that clutch 51 may pivot slightly from an exact vertically extending position around the bolts 56, but with this pivotal movement being limited to a relatively slight amount as determined by the respective longitudinal widths of lugs 54 and the bar recesses 58. Thus, clutch 51 is mounted for self-alignment when it is actuated to an engaged position surrounding mandrel 25 and tubing 37.

As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 11, a vertically extending plate member 59 is also mounted on the bearing slides 53 spaced to the right of clutch 51, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4, whichplate member extends between the slides 53 and laterally outwardly beyond these slides. Further, plate member 59 is provided with a generally U-shaped clearance opening 6t) for providing clearance between this plate member, and the mandrel 25 and any tubing 37 thereon.

Preferably at opposite locations on plate member 59 aligned with diametrically opposite points on the mandrel 25 are mounted similar guide tracks 61 for reciprocally mounting the rotatable cutoff knives 52. Cutolf knives 52 are mounted on guide tracks 61 by means of the guide blocks 62 received between these guide tracks. Further, the guide blocks 62 are retained reciprocally mounted in the guide tracks 61 by means of the vertical flanges 63, shown in cross section in FIG. 12, with these guide blocks being connected through pivotal linkages to the fluid cylinders 64.

A first pivot link 65 is pivotally connected to each of the blocks 62 with this pivot link being in turn pivotally connected to a second pivot link 66 intermediate the length of this second pivot link. One end of the second pivot link 66 is pivotally connected to one of the guide tracks 61, with the other end thereof being pivotally connected to the piston rod of the fluid cylinders 64.

Thus, with this construction as described, by actuation of the fluid cylinders 64, the lower ends of the pivot links 66 are moved laterally inwardly toward the mandrel 25, thereby sliding the cutoff knives 52 laterally inwardly, as will be hereinafter more fully described.

Finally, a second plate member 67 is secured to the bearing slides 53 underlying the clutch 51 and extending downwardly and beneath the clutch, and this plate member 67 is braced with plate member 59 by means of the longitudinally extending bracing bars 68. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, plate member 67 is provided with limited clearance beneath clutch 51, and secured laterally midway of this plate member is the end of the piston rod 69 of the fluid booster cylinder 79.

As is best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, the booster cylinder 7% is mounted secured to the cutoff device carriage 45 by means of the L-shaped bracket 71 and normally underlying the mandrel 25. With the operable connection of cylinder 70 through its piston rod 69 to the plate member 67 and consequently to the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52, this cylinder serves to at least aid in moving the clutch and cutoff knives longitudinally along the guides 50, as will be hereinafter more fully described in detail.

The gripping clutch 51 is shown in FIGS. 13 through 19 removed from the remainder of the cutoff device 21 of the present invention. As shown in vertical cross section in FIG. 14, clutch 51 includes the outer hollow generally cylindrical casing 72, the longitudinally spaced generally L-shaped cross-section actuating rings 73, the longitudinally spaced cam rings 74, the three circumfer-v entially extending arcuate clutch shoes 75 and the circumferentially spaced guide members '76.

Casing 72 extends axially or longitudinally having the radially inwardly extending flange 77 at one end thereof and being completely open at the other end thereof. Further, casing 72 is provided with three equally circumferentially spaced and circumferentially extending guide member slots 78 formed therethrough substantially midway lengthwise of the inner surface 79 thereof between the casing flange 77 and the casing open end for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The actuating rings 73 are positioned axially slidably abutting the casing inner surface 79, with one abutting the inner side of flange 77 and the other at the opposite open end of the casing abutting surface 79 and within the confines of the casing. The radially inwardly extending legs 80 of the actuating rings 73 are formed each with a generally L-shaped annular groove 81 opening axially inwardly toward the opposite actuating ring, so that these grooves are confined axially outwardly by a portion of each of the legs 80.

Cam rings 74 are positioned rotatably slidably received in the actuating ring grooves 81 and extend generally axially inwardly therefrom axially toward each other. An annular generally U-shaped groove 82 is formed in the outer circumferential surface 83 of each of the cam rings 74 with the axially outer edge thereof in radial alignment with the inner radially extending surface 84 of each of the cam ring radially inwardly extending legs 80.

Preferably, three equally circumferentially spaced and radially extending keys 85 are secured to the inner radially extending surface 84 of each of the actuating rings 73 by any usual fastening means, such as the screws 86, with each of these keys 85 extending into the grooves 82 of the cam rings 74. Further, each of the cam rings 74 is provided with an inner annular tapered surface 87, with these tapered surfaces being of lesser diameters adjacent the actuating ring grooves 81 and increasing in diameter axially inwardly so that these surfaces have their maximum diameter at the innermost edges of rings 74.

The clutch shoes 75- are positioned end to end substantially midway between the cam rings 74 and are provided with axially opposite outer annular tapered surfaces 88 opposite to and matching the cam ring tapered surfaces 87, with each of the clutch shoe tapered surfaces 88 partially underlying a portion of one of the cam ring tapered surfaces when the clutch 51 is in disengaged position, as shown in PEG. 14. It is preferred that the cam ring tapered surfaces 87 and clutch shoe tapered surfaces 88 are all formed with substantially 11 tapers in order to provide the self-locking features of such tapers when the cam rings '74 are axially engaged with the clutch shoes 75, as will be hereinafter described.

Further, each of the clutch shoes 75 is provided with an inner axially and circumferentially extending gripping surface 89 which i preferably coated with a usual thin plastic coating having slightly tacky qualities for gripping, but yet will not adhere to the article gripped, so that these shoes will readily release from the article being gripped when the radial inward pressure thereon is released. Still further, a compression spring 99 is mounted received in the recesses 91 and extending between the ends of each of the clutch shoes 75 for the purpose of urging the shoes circumferentially apart and therefore radially outwardly when these shoes are in engaged position with spring compressed and the radial inward force thereon is released. Finally, each of the clutch shoes 75 is formed with a circumferentially extending and radially outwardly extending guide lug 92 substantially midway of the axial length thereof and radially outwardly of the tapered surfaces 88.

The guide members 76, as shown in crosssection in FIG. 14 and in perspective in FIG. 19, may be formed of one or several pieces, as shown, and include the cover portions 93 and guide portion 94. The cover portion 93 of each of these guide members 76 is formed generally arcuate to conform to the outer periphery 95 of casing 72 and is positioned overlying the outer periphery of casing 72 covering and slightly overlapping the guide member slots 78, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Furthermore, the guide member cover portions 93 are formed with radially inwardly extending flanges 96, which flanges abut the open end of casing 72, that is, the end opposite the radial flange 77 on the casing, and extend inwardly of the casing to enclose and abut the actuating ring 73 positioned at the open end of the casing. Also, these cover portions 93 are removably secured to the casing 72 by any usual fastening means, such as the screws 97.

As before stated, the guide portions 94 of these guide members 76 may be formed integral with the cover portions 93, but for convenience in manufacturing may be formed separately of the cover portions and secured thereto extending radially inwardly into the confines of the casing 72 through the guide member slots 78 by means of usual fastening means, such as the screws 93. Guide portions 94 preferably have an axially extending width substantially equal with the axial width of the guide member slots 78 and include a radially inwardly extending guide projection 99 having an arcuate inner circumferential surface 100 in which is formed the arcuate generally U-shaped groove fill. Grooves 101 are positioned and of a depth suflicient to enclose at least a portion of the clutch shoe guide lugs 92 despite the radial position of the clutch shoes 75, that is, in engaged position with the springs 94} compressed or in disengaged position, as shown for instance in FIGS. 13 and 14.

At diametrically opposite locations, preferably in a horizontal plane and displaced from the guide members 76, the casing 72 is formed with cutouts 102, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17. Further, axially aligned with each of these cutouts 162 is a fluid cylinder 103 having its cylinder portion attached to the outer radial surface 104 of the actuating ring 73 at the open end of casing 72, with the piston rods 105 of cylinders 103 being in turn operably connected to the opposite actuating ring 73, that is, the actuating ring normally adjacent the casing radial flange 77.

Thus, with the clutch construction described, the actuating rings 73 are radially slidably confined Within the casing 72 and are axially confined by the casing radial flange 77 and the guide member radial flanges 96, but are permitted to move slidably toward and away from each other within the confines of casing 72 and guide members 76. Furthermore, in view of the keys 85 secured to the actuating rings 73 and received in the cam ring grooves 82, upon axial movement of the actuating rings 73, the cam rings 74 will likewise be moved axially toward and away from each other while still being per- :mitted to rotate with reference to the actuating rings 75.

When the clutch 51, therefore, is in its disengaged position, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, by actuation of the fluid cylinders 103 withdrawing the piston rod 105, the actuating rings 73- are moved slidably together within the casing 72 to approach or reach the position shown in FIG. 16. Movement of the actuating rings 73 to which the fluid cylinders 103 are attached is not impeded by these fluid cylinders since these cylinders are permitted to move into the cutouts 102 in casing 72, again as shown in FIG. 16.

Axially inward movement of the actuating rings 73 causes the tapered surfaces 87 of the cam rings 74 to engage and slide along the tapered surfaces 88 of the clutch shoes 75, and since the cam rings 74 cannot expand radially outwardly because of their stiffness, and because they are confined by the actuating rings 73, the pressure between the tapered surfaces 87 and 88 forces the clutch shoes 75 radially inwardly, decreasing the distance between the ends of these shoes and compressing the springs 90. This, therefore, places the clutch 51 in its engaged position, as shown in FIG. 16, and if at this point the fluid pressure from the fluid cylinders 103 is released without applying a reverse pressure to move the piston rods 105 toward an extended position, due to the locking tapers of the tapered surfaces 87 and 88, the clutch shoes 75 will remain in their engaged position, as shown in FIG. 16, that is, of course, as long as the force of the compression springs 90 is kept less than the force required to break these locking tapers and move the various sliding components of the clutch axially.

Furthermore, in view of the formation of the actuating rings 73 and cam rings 74, and the engagement therebetween by the keys 85 received in the grooves 82, whether or not the actuating rings 73 are in engaged or disengaged positions, the cam rings 74 although confined axially are permitted to rotate with reference to these actuating rings. Finally, as shown in FIG. 16, clutch shoes 75 are also free to rotate at all times with cam rings 74 and with reference to the remainder of the clutch, because of the slidable engagement between the clutch shoe guide lugs 92 and the guide member grooves 101. At the same time and despite rotation and radial movement, the clutch shoes 75 will always be retained axially centered between the actuating rings 73 and cam rings 74 by means of this same rotatable and radially movable engagement between these clutch shoes 75 and guide members 76.

For the purposes of the particular illustrated combination comprising a part of the present invention, that is, the use of the clutch 51 in a cutofi device 21 on a tube forming machine 20, it is desirable to have this clutch as light in weight as possible while still being functionally operable and durable in continued use. For this particular application, therefore, and for other applications where weight is of importance, it is desirable to form the casing 72, cam rings 74, clutch shoes 75 and guide member 76 of a material such as aluminum, but it is preferable to form the actuating rings 73 of brass or bronze in order to provide a bearing surface for the slidable movement of these actuating rings within the casing 72 10 and also. for the rotatable movement of the cam rings 74 on these actuating rings.

The sighting or indicating means, generally indicated at 40 and as best seen in FIGS. 1 through 5, is also mounted on the cutoff device carriage 45 and is spaced from the free end 33 of mandrel 25. As shown, this sighting or indicating means includes a base member 106 mounted on the cutoff device carriage 45 and being of any convenient form for supporting the spaced longitudinally or axially extending guides 107 in cantilever fashion extending in a direction away from the mandrel 25.

Operably mounted on the guides 107 are the bearing slides 108, each of which have the longitudinallyv or axially extending mounting bars 109 connected thereto and extending toward the mandrel free end 33 to points spaced from the mandrel. Finally, mounted on these mounting bars 109 are positioned the components 110 of preferably a photoelectric cell which serves as the sighting or indicating means, and these components 110 are spaced apart a distance appreciably greater than the lateral or radial extent of the mandrel 25 and tubing 37 moving axially or longitudinally therealong, so as not to interfere with this movement of the tubing while at the same time sighting or indicating the end of this tubing moving by these components 110 for a purpose to be hereinafter described. Also, due to the mounting of these components 110 through the bearing slides 108 on the guides 107, these components may be selectively adjusted axially or longitudinally as desired, also for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The fluid circuit and electrical circuit for the control of the cutoff device 21 comprising a part of the present invention are constructed and Operably connected in a usual manner and in a form well known to mechanics skilled in the art and, therefore, for purposes of brevity are not shown nor described. The electrical circuit, however, in addition to the photoelectric cell components 110, as shown for instance in FIG. 4, does include the switches 111 and 112, which are mounted with and at the ends of the guides 50 nearest the sighting or indicating means 40, which switches are struck and actuated by the switch bar 113 mounted extending laterally from the cutofi knife plate member 59, as. shown in FIGS. 8 and 11.

This electrical circuit also includes the switch 114 also mounted with one of the gripping and severing means guides 50 at the end of this guide the greatest distance from the sighting or indicating means 40, as shown for instance in FIGS. 4 and 5, which switch is engaged by the switch bar 115 secured to and extending laterally from the appropriate gripping and severing means hearing slide 53, as shown for instance in FIGS. 7 and 10. The purpose of switches 111, 112 and 114 will be described along with the operation of the entire tube forming machine and cutoff device in the following.

Finally, it is preferred to provide the free end 33- of the mandrel 25 with diametrically opposite hardened inserts 116, as best seen in elevation in FIGS. 2 and 6, and in cross section in FIGS. 8 and 11. These hardened inserts 116 are positioned in lateral alignment to be engaged by the cutoff knives 52 when these knives are in proper axial position, as will be hereinafterdescribed, and when these knives are moved laterally inwardly to engage against the free end 33 of mandrel 25 and tubing 37 moving axially or longitudinally thereon.

In operation, as the tubing 37 is formed on the tube forming machine 20,. as hereinbefore described, and progresses axially or longitudinally along the length of the mandrel 25, this tubing passes through the clutch 51 of the cutofi device 21 past the cutoff knives 52 and off the free end 33 of the mandrel, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8. At this time, the clutch 51 and cutofl? knives 52 are at their starting position, as shown in FIG. 4, that is, at the left-hand end of the guides 50 with the clutch in retracted position, the cutoff knives in retracted position and the switch bar 115 engaged with the switch 114.

As the end of the tubing 37 passes the sighting or indicating path, indicated by broken lines 117, it actuates the photoelectric cell components 110, which in view of the engagement of switch 114 by switch bar 115', as will be hereinafter more fully described, actuates the fluid cylinders 103 causing the clutch shoes 75 to be moved radially inwardly to engaged position, as hereinbefore described. These clutch shoes 75 thereby circumferentially engage or grip the periphery of the tubing 37 at a predetermined location, as determined by the axial or longitudinal adjustment of the photoelectric cell components 110 with reference to the clutch 51.

Also, at this same moment, fluid is directed to the left-hand side of the fluid booster cylinder, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 9, so that not only does the gripping of the tubing 37 by the clutch 51 start immediate axial or longitudinal travel of the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 exactly with the tubing and along the guides 50, but the tubing may be required to carry none or little of this load because of the actuation of the fluid booster cylinder 70, which is also tending to move the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 axially. In fact, it is preferable that the fluid booster cylinder 70 exert a force slightly greater than that force required to move the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 with the tubing 37, so that although the clutch 51 establishes a definite and immovable reference point with relation to the tubing, the only function required by the tubing is to resist overmovement of the clutch and knives.

It further should be pointed out that, although the clutch 51 is gripping the tubing 37 and this tubing is continuing to move axially or longitudinally along the mandrel 25 carrying the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52, this tubing is also rotating, since it is being originally spirally wrapped. Thus, it is preferred after the clutch 51 has been actuated and the clutch shoes 75 have been moved to their engaged positions by the cylinders 1413, to release the fluid pressure from these cylinders, that is, without directing fluid to disengage the clutch.

Due to the locking taper between the clutch cam rings 74 and shoes 75, these shoes will remain in their engaged position engaged radially inwardly with the tubing 37, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, but because of the release of pressure between the actuating rings 73 and cam rings 74, the cam rings will be more free to rotate with reference to the actuating rings, thereby also permitting the clutch shoes to freely rotate. Thus, a definite reference point is established on the tubing 37 by the clutch 51, and in view of the direct connection between clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 and the fact that the clutch and knives must travel together and have a definite and preset relationship, this also establishes a definite reference point on the tubing with regard to the cutoff knives. Further, in view of the photoelectric cell components 110 having finst established this direct relationship by actuation of the clutch 51, the cutoff knives are in a predetermined relationship with regard to the leading end of the tubing 37 and will remain in this relationship moving with the tubing 37 until the clutch 51 is again released.

As the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 travel exactly axially or longitudinally with the tubing 37 and preferably immediately after the fluid has been removed from the clutch cylinders 103, the cutoff knife cylinders 64 are actuated moving the cutofl? knife guide blocks 62 and therefore the cutoff knives 52 laterally inwardly toward the tubing 37 and mandrel 25, that is, from the positions shown in FIG. 8 toward the positions shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, since the tubing 37, clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 are moving axially or longitudinally with reference to the stationary mandrel 25, as the cutoff knives 52 approach the tubing .37, these cutoff knives have reached at least the left-hand edges, as viewed in FIG. 2, of the mandrel hardened inserts 116.

Finally, as the cutoff knives 52 continue their laterally inward movement, they ultimately reach the positions shown in FIG. 11 where these cutoff knives engage the tubing 37, severing this tubing, as shown in FIG. 5, and working against the hardened inserts 116. Thereafter, due to the continuous rotation of the tubing 37 during its longitudinal movement, the cutoff knives 52 eventually sever the tubing completely around its circumference, while these knives continue to work against the hardened inserts 116 along the longitudinal length thereof.

An important feature to keep in mind is the fact that during this severing or cutoff operation by the cutoff knives 52 these cutoff knives are moving exactly with the tubing 37, and both the tubing and cutoff knives are moving axially or longitudinally with reference to the stationary mandrel 25. In view of this exact constant axial or longitudinal relationship between the cutoff knives 52 and the tubing 37, the cut through the tubing and completely around the circumference thereof made by the cutoff knives 52 is exactly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubing, so that a clean proper outoff is made of exact predetermined length.

Finally, as thecutoif knives 52 approach the end of the stationary mandrel 25, the complete severing of the tubing has taken place, as shown in FIG. 5, and the severed piece of tubing is immediately conveyed away from the cutoff device 21 by usual conveying means, not shown. Furthermore, at this point the switch bar 113 has engaged the switches 111 and 112, also as shown in FIG. 5, with switch 111 immediately actuating the cutoff knife fluid cylinders 64 causing the cutoff knives 52 to be moved laterally away from the mandrel 25 to their retracted positions, shown in FIG. 8. Also, switch 112 causes fluid to be directed into the clutch cylinders 163 causing the piston rods to be extended, which moves actuating rings 73 and cam rings 74 to their mam'mum axially or longitudinally spread positions, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, so that the compression springs 90 between the clutch shoes 75 urge the clutch shoes to move apart circumferentially, thereby moving these clutch shoes radially outwardly to their disengaged positions, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

This releases clutch 51 from the axially or longitudinally moving tubing 37 permitting the clutch to remain stationary longitudinally and the tubing to move freely through this clutch. Also, in View of the cutoff knives 52 being directly connected to clutch 51, these cutoff knives remain stationary longitudinally while the tubing moves in reference thereto.

Immediately after the cutoff knives 52 have been retracted away from tubing 37 and the clutch 51 has been released from its circumferential gripping of the tubing 37, the fluid booster cylinder 74] is actuated to retract the piston rod 6% thereby moving the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 longitudinally to the left to their beginning positions, shown in FIG. 4, while the tubing 37 continues to move longitudinally in the opposite direction.

Finally, the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 reach their starting positions, as shown in FIG. 4, so that the switch bar 115 engages the switch 114, after which the clutch and cutoff knives remain in this starting position ready for the beginning of another cutoff cycle. Also, at this time, the leading end of the tubing 37 is just reaching the sighting line 117 of the photoelectric cell components 11% so that this next cutoff cycle will immediately commence.

The primary purpose of switch 114, which is held engaged by the switch bar 115 when the clutch 51 and cutoff knives 52 are in their starting positions, is to insure that the clutch and cutoff knives return to their full starting positions before the next cutoff cycle can start. This switch is properly connected in a usual manner into the electrical circuit and hydraulic circuit, so that if it is not engaged the next cutoflf cycle cannot begin, thereby insuring that the proper length of tubing will be cut off every time.

One of the more important features of the present in- 13 vention is the fact that the tubing 37 is constantly moving axially or longitudinally and by engagement of the clutch 51 by the photoelectric cell components 110 at a predetermined time, this clutch peripherally engages the tubing at a point spaced an exact predetermined distance from the leading end of the tubing, to thereby establish a direct and set reference point on this moving tubing with relation to the leading end thereof and establish a direct and set relationship between the cutoff knives 52 which are directly connected to the clutch. Thus, in

.every cutofif cycle, an exact length of tubing 37 is established between the leading end of the tubing and the cutoff knives 52 as determined by the axial or longitudinal setting of the photoelectric cell components 110, so that these cutoff knives will move with the tubing and properly cut off this exact length.

A further feature of the present invention is that not only is the tubing 37 constantly moving axially or longitudinally during this cutoff operation, but also since the tubing is being helically or spirally wound by the tube forming machine 26, the tubing is likewise constantly rotating, so that clutch 51 must not only grip the tubing longitudinally but also must be constructed to continue to permit this rotatable movement. This is accomplished by the fact that the clutch shoes 75 and cam rings 74 are rotatable with respect to the clutch actuating rings 73 despite the clutch being in engaged position. Furthermore, even though the clutch shoes 75 must constantly rotate with the tubing 37, the set positioning between clutch 51 and the cutoff knives 52 is maintained and insured on every engagement of the clutch by these clutch shoes 75 being maintained in a predetermined centered position by the guide members 76, while still being permitted by these guide members to rotate and move radially inwardly and outwardly.

Finally, another feature of the present invention is that although the tube forming machine mandrel 25 remains stationary at all times, in view of the unique construction of clutch 51 for peripherally or circumferentially gripping the axially or longitudinally moving tubing 37, the rotatable and longitudinal movement of the tubing is not impeded by the clutch, and the tubing continues to maintain its spiral motion with reference to this stationary mandrel. Furthermore, although the cutofi knives 52 during their cutting operation continue to move axially or longitudinally in a direct set relationship to tubing 37 and are Working against this stationary mandrel 25, the cutoff operation is properly accomplished by having the surface on the mandrel 25 against which the cutoff knives 52 work a sufiicient hardness, which is accomplished in the present embodiment of the invention by the hardened inserts 116.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been usedfor brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, he-

cause such words are used for descriptive purposes herein and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the embodiment of the improved tube forming machine construction illustrated and described herein is by way of example and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exact details of construction shown.

Having now described the invention, the construction, operation and use of a preferred embodiment thereof, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and useful construction and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Tube forming machine construction for continuously spirally forming thin walled tubing, an axially stationary mandrel upon which the tubing is formed and moves continuously rotatably and axially, said tubing being formed having a circumferential periphery, a cutoff device mounted in a position radially adjacent the rotatably and axially moving tubing, engagement means on the cutoff device including rotatable engagement members for peripherally physically engaging the tubing against the mandrel at a predetermined axial location while the tubing continues to move axially with respect to the mandrel, means mounting the engagement means for axial movement axially along the mandrel with the tubing while the tubing is engaged by said engagement means against the mandrel and the engagement means engagement members and tubing continue to rotate, the engagement between the tubing and engagement means maintaining the axial movement of the engagement means along the mandrel exactly withthe axial movement of the tubing along the mandrel, severing means operably connected to the engagement means radially adjacent the mandrel and mounted movable axially exactly with the engagement means axially along the mandrel for severing the tubing against the mandrel while said tubing continues to move axially along the mandrel, means for operating the engagement means to engage the tubing against the mandrel at a said predetermined axial location, and means for operating the severing means for severing the tubing against the mandrel after the engagement means has engaged the tubing against the mandrel and the engagement means and severing means are moving axially exactly with the tubing along the mandrel; the cutoff device engagement means including a clutch member circumferentially surrounding the tubing and mandrel; the engagement means rotatable engagement members being clutch shoes mounted on the clutch member radially movable between engaged and disengaged positions, the clutch shoes have inner :arcuate surfaces engageable with the tubing periphery and against the mandrel when the shoes are in engaged positions, and the clutch shoes being mounted in the clutch member freely rotatable with the tubing at least in the engaged position.

2. Tube forming machine construction for continuously spirally forming thin walled tubing, an axially stationary mandrel upon which the tubing is formed and moves continuously rotatably and axially, said tubing being formed having a circumferential periphery, a cutoff device mounted in a position radially adjacent the rotatably and axially moving tubing, engagement means on the cutoff device including rotatable engagement membersfor peripherally physically engaging the tubing against the mandrel at a predetermined axial location while the tubing continues to move axially with respect to the mandrel, means mounting the engagement means for axial movement axially along the mandrel with the tubing while the tubing is engaged by said engagement means against the mandrel and the engagement means engagement members and tubing continue to rotate, the engagement between the tubing and engagement means maintaining the axial movement of the engagement means along the mandrel exactly with the axial movement of the tubing along the mandrel, severing means opera-bly connected to the engagement means radially adjacent the mandrel and mounted movable axially exactly with the engagement means axially along the mandrel for severing the tubing against the mandrel while said tubing continues to move axially along the mandrel, means for operating the engagement means to engage the tubing against the mandrel at a said predetermined axial location, and means for operating the severing means for severing the tubing against the mandrel after the engagement means has engaged the tubing against the mandrel and the engagement means and severing means are moving axially exactly with the tubing along the mandrel; the cutoff device engagement means including a clutch member circumferentially surrounding the tubing and mandrel; the engagement means rotatable engagement members being clutch shoes on the clutch member radially movable between engaged and disengaged positions, the clutch shoes having inner arcuate surfaces engageable with the tubing periphery and against the mandrel when the shoes are in engaged positions, and the clutch shoes being mounted in the clutch member rotatable at least in the engaged position; the severing means including at least one circular cutoff knife mounted rotatable about an axis, the cutoff knife axis being movable radially inwardly to a fixed scanner 1 5 circumferential position with relation to the mandrel while the cutoff knife moves axially with respect to the mandrel and with the cutoff knife severing tubing against the mandrel, and the rotation of the tubing acting to move the tubing against the rotatable cutoff knife completely around the circumference of the tubing to sever the tubing against the mandrel.

3. Tube forming machine construction including means for continuously spirally forming and moving thin walled tubing, an axially stationary mandrel upon which the tubing is formed and moves continuously rotatably and axially, said tubing being formed having a circumferential periphery, a cutoff device mounted in a position radially adjacent the rotatably and axially moving tubing, engagement means on the cutoff device including rotatable engagement members for peripherally physically engaging the tubing at a selected predetermined axial location during any selected period of axial movement of the tubing while the tubing continuous to move axially relative to the mandrel, means mounting the engagement means for being positively initially free of axial movement in the direction of the tubing movement until engaged with said tubing and for axial movement axially along the mandrel with the tubing while the tubing is engaged by said engagement means against the mandrel and the engagement means engagement members and tubing continue to rotate, the engagement between the tubing and engagement means physically securing the engagement means axially movable exactly with the tubing and maintaining the axial movement of the engagement means along the mandrel exactly with the axial movement of the tubing along the mandrel, severing means operably connected to the engagement means radially adjacent the mandrel and mounted movable axially exactly with the engagement means axially along the mandrel for severing the tubing against the mandrel at an exact axial location on the tubing with reference to said predetermined axial location while said tubing continues to move axially along the mandrel, means regulated by predetermined tubing movement for operating the engagement means to engage the tubing against the mandrel at said selected predetermined axial location, the engagement means and severing means being independent of and free of any operable connection with the means for continuously spirally forming and moving the tubing so that the predetermined axial location on the tubing may be selected independent of and without regard to any operation of said means for continuously spirally forming and moving the tubing and during any period of continuous axial movement of the tubing, and means for operating the severing means for severing tubing against the mandrel after the engagement means has engaged the tubing against the mandrel and the engagement means and severing means are moving axially exactly with the tubing along the mandrel.

4. Tube forming machine construction as defined in claim 3 in which the severing means includes at least one circular cutoff knife mounted rotatable about an axis; in which the cutoff knife axis is movable radially inwardly to a fixed circumferential position with relation to the mandrel while the cutoff knife moves axially with respect to the mandrel and with the cutoff knife severing the tubing against the mandrel; and in which the rotation of the tubing acts to move the tubing against the rotatable cutofi knife completely around the circumference of the tubing to sever the tubing against the mandrel.

5. Tube forming machine construction as defined in claim 3 in which the means mounting the engagement means includes booster means operably connected to the engagement means effective when the engagement means is peripherally engaged with the tubing against the mandrel for supplying at least a portion of the force required to move the engagement means and severing means axially exactly with the tubing and with respect to the mandrel.

6. Tube forming machine construction as defined in claim 3 in which the means mounting the engagement means includes an axially movable carriage; in which the engagement means carriage moves axially parallel to the axis of the mandrel; in which the severing means is mounted on the engagement means carriage in fixed axial relationship to the engagement means; and in which booster means is operably connected to the engagement means carriage effective When the engagement means is peripherally engaged with the tubing against the mandrel for supplying at least a portion of the force required to move the engagement means carriage axially exactly with the tubing and with respect to the mandrel.

7. Tube forming machine construction including means for continuously forming and continuously longitudinally moving thin walled tubing, a longitudinally stationary mandrel upon which the tubing is formed and moves continuously longitudinally, said tubing being formed having a periphery and a leading end, a cutoff device mounted in a position laterally adjacent the longitudinally moving tubing and laterally adjacent the mandrel, engagement means on the cutoff device for physically peripherally engaging the tubing at a selected predetermined longitudinal location during any selected period of longitudinal movement of the tubing and against the longitudinally stationary mandrel while the tubing continues to move longitudinally relative to the mandrel, means mounting the engagement means for being positively initially free of longitudinal movement in the direction of the tubing movement until engaged with said tubing and for longitudinal movement with the tubing while the tubing is engaged by said engagement means, the engagement between the tubing and engagement means physically securing the engagement means longitudinally movable exactly with the tubing and maintaining the longitudinal movement of the engagement means exactly with the longitudinal movement of the tubing, severing means operably connected to the engagement means laterally adjacent the mandrel and mounted movable longitudinally exactly with the engagement means longitudinally along the mandrel for severing the tubing against the mandrel at an exact longitudinal location on the tubing with reference to said predetermined longitudinal location while said tubing continues to move longitudinally, means regulated by predetermined tubing movement for operating the engagement means to engage the tubing against the mandrel at said selected predetermined longitudinal location, said means for operating the engagement means including an electronic sighting device positioned in a selected predetermined exact longitudinal location with respect to the engagement means and severing means and actionable by the tubing leading end moving longitudinally past a selected predetermined exact longitudinal location, the engagement means and severing means being independent of and free of any operable connection with the means for continuously forming and continuously longitudinally moving the tubing so that the predetermined longitudinal location on the tubing may be selected independent of and Without regard to any operation of said means for continuously forming and continuously longitudinally moving the tubing and during any period of the continuous longitudinal movement of the tubing, and means for operating the severing means for severing the tubing against the mandrel after the engagement means has engaged the tubing against the mandrel and the engagement means and severing means are moving longitudinally exactly with the tubing along the mandrel.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,814,697 Hollman July 14, 1931 2,366,243 Edwards Jan. 2, 1945 2,521,007 Heinmets Sept. 5, 1950 2,623,443 Robinson Dec. 30, 1952 2,675,076 Billetter Apr. 13, 1954 2,699,099 Robinson Jan. 11, 1955 2,973,698 Orlando Mar. 7, 1961

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