Tube extracting device

• US 20050235486A1
• Filed: 04/22/2004
• Published: 10/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Limited (Babcock International Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Canada Limited (Babcock International Group PLC)
• Inventors: Regan, Daniel E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,305,756 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/727
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 27/02 for connecting objects by press fit or detaching same B25D1/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 9/00 Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00 wrenches B25B13/00; specially adapted for watchmakers' or like use G04D
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49352 Repairing, converting, servicing or salvaging
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49815 Disassembling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49822 by applying force
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53122 including deforming means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53952 Tube sleeve or ferrule applying or removing

Abstract

The invention is related to a tube extracting device for compressing a tube end extended from a conventional drum of a boiler to remove the tube. The device includes a housing comprised of an outer clamping plate and an inner clamping plate pivotally connected by a pin. A grip for receiving the tube extends down from the housing. A hydraulically-powered ram moves the outer clamping plate relative to the inner clamping plate so that the grip closes around and compresses the tube. The power to the hydraulic ram is then shut, springs return the outer clamping plate and the inner clamping plate to their original position, which, in turn opens the grip so that the removed tube can be released from the device. The device is then lifted by a handle and the tube is removed from the drum.

Claims

1. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube, the tube extraction device comprising:

a housing having an outer plate and an inner plate pivotally mounted inside the outer plate;

a means for moving the outer plate relative to the inner plate; and

a grip movably extended from the housing, the grip moving from an open position for receiving the tube to a closed position for compressing the tube upon movement of the outer plate relative to the inner plate.

2. The tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a means for returning the grip to the open position.

3. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outer plate has a first pair of vertical posts and the inner plate has a second pair of vertical posts and the means for returning the grip to the open position comprises at least two springs connecting the first pair of vertical posts to the second pair of vertical posts.

4. The tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grip comprises a pipe having a top end connected to the housing and a bottom end which separates for receiving the tube.

5. The tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pipe comprises two symmetrical parts which separate along a center axis of the pipe.

6. The tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 3, where the bottom end of the pipe is slanted.

7. The tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 3, wherein the top end of the pipe has a notch which allows the bottom end to separate for receiving the tube.

8. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a pin for pivotally connecting the outer plate to the inner plate.

9. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pin engages the notch in the top end of the pipe.

10. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for moving the outer plate relative to the inner plate comprises a hydraulic powered ram.

11. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a handle extended upward from the outer plate.

12. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer plate includes a base, exterior side walls and an interior wall extended from at least one of the exterior walls, the interior wall being connected to the grip.

13. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner plate includes a base and exterior side walls, the grip being connected to at least one of the exterior side walls of the inner plate.

14. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 13, wherein the exterior side walls of the outer plate and the exterior side walls of the inner plate overlap.

15. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 13, wherein the exterior side walls of the outer plate and the exterior side walls of the inner plate have approximately the same width.

16. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer plate and the inner plate have a u-shape.

17. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer plate and the inner plate have approximately the same height.

18. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer plate and the inner plate are formed of carbon steel.

19. A tube extraction device for compressing a tube, the tube extraction device comprising:

a housing having an outer plate with a first pair of vertical posts and an inner plate with a second pair of vertical posts, the inner plate being pivotally mounted inside the outer plate;

a means for moving the outer plate relative to the inner plate;

a grip movably extended from the housing, the grip moving from an open position for receiving the tube to a close position for compressing the tube upon movement of the outer plate relative to the inner plate;

at least two springs connecting the first pair of vertical posts to the second pair of vertical posts, the springs returning the grip to the open position.

20. The tube extraction device for compressing a tube as claimed in claim 19, wherein the grip comprises a pipe having a bottom end which separates for receiving the tube and a top end connected to the housing, the top end having a notch which allows the bottom end to separate for receiving the tube.