Patent ID: 9242388
Filing Date: 2016-01-26
CPC Classification: B23D,B26D,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for shearing 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 and the frame defining portions of a support band; the portions of the support band cooperating together when the arms are in the engaged position define a pair of spaced circumferential support bands disposed above and below the location where the columnar item will be sheared; wherein each circumferential support band is formed from a plurality of removable collar segments, and some of the removable collar segments are carried by the arms and some of the removable collar segments are carried by the frame, and each support band is adapted to surround a portion of the columnar item in a substantially circular manner when the arms are in the engaged position around the columnar item; 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 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; each arm being 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; 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.