Patent ID: 6209215
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
A saddle joint contour gauge for recording and reproducing the projected line of continuous contact between the end of a first pipe intersecting the side of a transversely disposed second pipe, for configuring the pipes to be accurately cut, and then joined and welded together in end-to-side relationship, the contour gauge comprising:a cylindrical frame having a plurality of adjacently disposed alike sections that are mated together to form an endless chain of sections, each section having a male surface that defines a locking post and a female surface that defines a locking channel, wherein the plurality of sections are linked together such that the locking post of each section is received by the locking channel of an adjacent section;the frame defining a bore that extends through the frame about a longitudinal axis, the bore defining a radially disposed inner surface for positioning the frame over a pipe of predetermined size and shape, the frame having a radially disposed outer surface;the outer surface comprising a plurality of parallel grooves disposed side-by-side to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame;a plurality of elongate rods disposed about the outer surface, said rods being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the frame such that each rod is slidingly received by one of said parallel grooves;an o-ring disposed around the frame, over the rods, the o-ring contacting said rods to impart a radially inward directed force on each rod to urge the same against the frame, each rod being biased against a respective groove; andan outer retainer disposed around the frame adjacent the o-ring for maintaining the o-ring over the rods.