Patent ID: 9333548
Filing Date: 2016-05-10
CPC Classification: B21D,B23Q

Claim Text:
1. A method of processing a pipe element having a longitudinal axis using a drive roller and an idler roller as a grooving roller to form a circumferential groove in said pipe element about said longitudinal axis, said idler roller having a known diameter or circumference, said method comprising: engaging said pipe element with said drive roller; engaging said idler roller with said pipe element; rotating said pipe element about said longitudinal axis while said pipe element is engaged with said idler roller, said idler roller rotating in response to said pipe element; forcing said idler roller against said pipe element so as to displace material of said pipe element while rotating said pipe element and thereby forming said groove; determining a number of revolutions of said idler roller, including fractions thereof, for each revolution of said pipe element; using said number of revolutions of said idler roller, including said fractions thereof, per revolution of said pipe element to calculate said diameter of said groove element by: measuring a circumference of said groove while rotating said pipe element; determining a diameter of said groove using said circumference of said groove; comparing said diameter of said groove with a tolerance range for said diameter of said groove; repeating said forcing, measuring, determining and said comparing until said diameter of said groove is within said tolerance range.