Tube cutter tool and method of use for coupon removal
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of removing a portion of a tube comprising the steps of:
- locating a damaged site on a tube from the interior of said tube;
inserting a cutting tool into said tube;
confirming the location of said damaged site and said cutting tool using fiber optic means;
cutting said tube with said cutting tool; and
monitoring said cutting using fiber optic means, to obtain a coupon from said tube at said damaged site.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tube cutter tool is insertable into a tube for cutting a coupon from a damaged site on the exterior of the tube. Prior to using the tool, the damaged site is first located from the interior of the tube using a multi-coil pancake eddy current test probe. The damaged site is then marked. A fiber optic probe is used to monitor the subsequent cutting procedure which is performed using a hole saw mounted on the tube cutter tool. Prior to completion of the cutting procedure, a drill in the center of the hole saw is drilled into the coupon to hold it in place.
13 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of removing a portion of a tube comprising the steps of:
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locating a damaged site on a tube from the interior of said tube; inserting a cutting tool into said tube; confirming the location of said damaged site and said cutting tool using fiber optic means; cutting said tube with said cutting tool; and monitoring said cutting using fiber optic means, to obtain a coupon from said tube at said damaged site. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A tube cutter tool comprising:
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cutting means, insertable inside the tube, for cutting a coupon encompassing at least a portion of a damaged site; identifying means comprising a fiber optic viewing lens positioned near the cutting means for monitoring the cutting and confirming the location of the cutting means with respect to the damaged site from the interior of the tube; and holding means for holding said coupon in place during and after cutting. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification