Patent ID: 6418822
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: B26D,Y10T

Abstract:
A cut-off apparatus for cutting a length of tube from a continuously formed non-circular tube being advanced along a longitudinal axis thereof, comprising:a carriage movably mounted for translation along said longitudinal axis in forward and rearward directions respectively with and against the direction of movement of the advancing tube; a carriage drive system operable to drive the carriage in said forward and rearward directions such that the carriage is driven in said forward direction in synchronism with the advancing tube whereby the tube is generally stationary relative to the carriage during forward movement of the carriage; and a tube cutting system coupled to the carriage for reciprocating movement therewith, the tube cutting system comprising: a tubular mandrel positioned to receive the advancing tube thereover; and at least one cutter assembly, the cutter assembly including a plurality of radially movable knives mounted within the mandrel and an actuator for urging the knives radially outward, the mandrel defining an opening for radially outward passage of each knife therethrough so as to cut through a wall of the tube from an inside surface to an outside surface thereof.