Patent Publication Number: US-2020300594-A1

Title: Electrofusion measuring device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/820,265, filed Mar. 19, 2019, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to measuring devices, and more particularly, to a plastic pipe measuring device for measuring pipes and verifying their use for electrofusion. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrofusion is a method of joining medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and other plastic pipes using special fittings that have built-in electric heating elements which are used to weld the joint together. The pipes to be joined are cleaned, inserted into the electrofusion fitting (with a temporary clamp if required) and a voltage (typically 40V) is applied for a fixed time depending on the fitting in use. The built-in heater coils then melt the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe wall, which weld together producing a very strong homogeneous joint. The assembly is then left to cool for a specified time. 
     Electrofusion welding is beneficial because it does not require the operator to use dangerous or sophisticated equipment. After some preparation, the electrofusion welder will guide the operator through the steps to take. Welding heat and time is dependent on the type and size of the fitting. All electrofusion fittings are not created equal, that is, precise positioning of the energizing coils of wire in each fitting ensures uniform melting for a strong joint and the minimization of welding and cooling time. 
     The operator must be qualified according to local and national laws. Electrofusion welding training focuses on the importance of accurately fusing electrofusion fittings. Both manual and automatic methods of calculating electrofusion time gives operators the skills they need in the field. There is much to learn about the importance of preparation, timing, pressure, temperature, cool down time, and handling, etc. Training and certification are very important in this field of welding, as the product can become dangerous under certain circumstances. There has been cases of major harm and death, including when molten polyethylene spurts out of the edge of a mis-aligned weld, causing skin burns. Another case was due to a tapping saddle being incorrectly installed on a gas line, causing the death of the two welders in the trench due to gas inhalation. There are many critical parts to electrofusion welding that can cause weld failures, most of which can be greatly reduced by using welding clamps, and correct scraping equipment. To keep their qualification current, a trained operator can get their fitting tested, which involves cutting open the fitting and examining the integrity of the weld. 
     Additionally, there are a number of dimension requirements for pipes that are to be electrofused. For example, the wall thickness, the angle of the end (i.e., is the cut end of the pipe square), the roundness of the pipe end, the depth of any pit, gouge, groove, or ground down section (i.e., peeled section) on the pipe, etc. These dimension requirements can be burdensome to remember as well as measure. 
     Thus, there is a long felt need for a device the allows an operator to measure specific pipe dimensions and quickly determine if the pipe dimensions meet the requirements for electrofusion. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided an electrofusion pipe measuring device, comprising a first section comprising a first edge and a second edge, a second section extending from the first section, the second section including a third edge arranged perpendicular to the first edge and a fourth edge, and a third section rotatably connected to one of the first section and the second section, the third section including a fifth edge and a sixth edge. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a measuring device for a pipe to be used for electrofusion, the measuring device comprising a first section comprising a first edge and a second edge, a second section extending from the first section, the second section including a third edge arranged perpendicular to the first edge, a fourth edge, a miter gauge including a first portion, a second portion, and a line separating the first portion and the second portion, and a pit gauge, a third section rotatably connected to one of the first section and the second section, the third section including a fifth edge and a sixth edge, the sixth edge operatively arranged to overlay the first portion, the line, or the second portion, and a fourth section rotatably connected to one of the first section and the second section, the fourth section including a seventh edge operatively arranged to overlay the pit gauge, and an eight edge comprising a protrusion extending therefrom. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a measuring device for a pipe to be used for electrofusion, the measuring device comprising a first section comprising a first edge and a second edge, the second edge including a plurality of slots, a second section comprising a third edge arranged perpendicular to the first edge, a fourth edge, a miter gauge, and a pit gauge, a third section rotatably connected to one of the first section and the second section, the third section comprising a fifth edge and a sixth edge, the sixth edge operatively arranged to overlay the miter gauge, and a fourth section rotatably connected to one of the first section and the second section, the third section comprising a seventh edge including a protrusion extending therefrom, and an eighth edge operatively arranged to overlay the pit gauge. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an electrofusion measuring device; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the electrofusion measuring device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a detail view of the gauge taken generally along detail  3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a detail view of the gauge taken generally along detail  4  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevational view of the electrofusion measuring device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a front perspective view of an electrofusion measuring device in engagement with a pipe; 
         FIG. 6B  is a front elevational view of the electrofusion measuring device in engagement with the pipe, as shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a front elevational view of the electrofusion measuring device in engagement with the pipe, as shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view of an electrofusion measuring device in engagement with a pipe; 
         FIG. 7B  is a front elevational view of the electrofusion measuring device in engagement with the pipe, as shown in  FIG. 7A ; and, 
         FIG. 7C  is a front elevational view of the electrofusion measuring device in engagement with the pipe, as shown in  FIG. 7A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs. 
     It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value. 
     By “non-rotatably connected” elements, we mean that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required. 
     Adverting now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of electrofusion measuring device  10 .  FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of electrofusion measuring device  10 .  FIG. 3  is a detail view of gauge  38  taken generally along detail  3  in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a detail view of gauge  36  taken generally along detail  4  in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  is a rear elevational view of electrofusion measuring device  10 . Electrofusion measuring device  10  generally comprises front surface  12 , rear surface  14 , section  20 , section  30 , section  40 , and section  60 . The following description should be read in view of  FIGS. 1-7C . 
     Section  20  comprises edge  22  operatively arranged to engage a pipe and edge  26 . Section  20  comprises gauge  24  on front surface  12 . Gauge  24  may be, for example, a measuring device used to measure a diameter, length, wall thickness, etc. of a pipe. Gauge  24  may comprise a ruler in any standard measuring system units (e.g., U.S. customary units, metric units, imperial units, etc.). In some embodiments, electrofusion measuring device  10  comprises a length measuring gauge in addition to or instead of gauge  24 , to be arranged on surface  14  of section  30  proximate edge  34 . Section  20  may also comprise one or more references that may be utilized along with the various measuring features of electrofusion measuring device  10  to determine suitability of a pipe for electrofusion. For example, and as shown, section  20  may further comprise data code  80 , reference  82 , and/or table  84  on rear surface  14 . It should be appreciated that data code  80 , reference  82 , and/or table  84  may be arranged anywhere on electrofusion measuring device  10 , and that this disclosure should not be limited to arrangement only on section  20  or on surface  12 . 
     Data code  80  comprises some scannable code that may be used to read information, for example, information about electrofusion measuring device  10  (e.g., instructions on how to use electrofusion measuring device  10 , a website address, manufacturer information, information specific to an electrofusion job, etc.). Data code  80  may comprise a quick response (QR) code, a bar code, a near-field communication chip such as, for example, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, etc. 
     Reference  82  comprises a chart illustrating measurements that should be taken on a pipe to ensure the pipe is suitably round for electrofusion. For example, if a pipe is too oblong, it should not be used for electrofusion. In the embodiment shown, reference  82  suggests that two diameter measurements should be taken of the pipe, the measurements being perpendicular to the other. After the proper diameter measurements of the pipe are taken, the dimensions are compared with table  84  to ensure the pipe is suitable for electro fusion. For example, if, on a 3″ pipe size, diameter d 1  is 3.5″ and diameter d 2  is 3.4″, then d 1 -d 2  is 0.100″, which exceeds 0.0625″ as indicated in table  84  as the maximum allowable difference. Thus, that pipe should not be used for electrofusion as it is too oblong. It should be appreciated that reference  82  and table  84  may include any information or references, in any unit of measurement, suitable for the specific job type. 
     Section  30  is fixedly secured to section  20 . In some embodiments, section  20  and section  30  are integrally formed. Section  30  comprises edge  32 , edge  34 , gauge  36 , and gauge  38 . Gauge  36  is operatively arranged to interact with section  60 , as will be described in greater detail below. Section  30  further comprises, on surface  12 , line  44  separating portion  46  from portion  48 . Line  44  is arranged at an angle relative to edge  34 , for example, 3 degrees. Line  44 , portion  46 , and portion  48  are operatively arranged to interact with section  40 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
     As shown in the detail view of  FIG. 3 , gauge  38  comprises a plurality of slots  39  with each slot corresponding to a thickness. Gauge  38  is operatively arranged to measure the peel thickness from a pipe (i.e., gauge  38  is a peel thickness gauge). As is known in the art, prior to electrofusion, an outer layer of the pipe, proximate the end, must be peeled in order to remove a layer of oxidation. Generally, standards do not allow for the wall thickness to fall below 10% of its original thickness. Thus, the peeled off layer cannot be more than 10% of the original wall thickness. Electrofusion measuring device  10  allows the peeled layer to be inserted into each of the plurality of slots  39  until the thickness of the peeled layer is accurately determined. That thickness is then compared to a chart, for example, table  86  arranged on surface  14  to determine if the peeled layer is proper. For example, if the peeled layer of a 1″ copper tubing size (CTS) with a dimension ratio (DR) of 12.5 plastic pipe is 0.008″, the plastic pipe may be used since 0.008″ is less than 10% of the original wall thickness, or 0.009″. In another example, if the peeled layer of a 8″ iron pipe size (IPS)/ductile iron pipe size (DIPS) plastic pipe is 0.060″, the plastic pipe may not be used since 0.060″ is greater than 10% of the original wall thickness, or 0.050″. Each slot of slots  39  comprises a different width, which corresponds to a different peel thickness. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , the width of each slot  39  increases from left to right (e.g., from 0.006″-0.012″). Current electrofusion guidelines require a minimum of 0.007″ thick layer be peeled from the pipe outer surface proximate end, to ensure total removal of the oxidation layer. Thus, gauge  38  is also capable of indicating whether this required minimum is met. For example, if a peeled section is 0.006″ inches thick, then another 0.001″ must be peeled from the pipe. 
     Section  40  is rotatably connected to section  30  or section  20  via connector  52 . It should be appreciated that connector  52  may be any connecting device suitable for pivotably connecting section  40  with section  30  or  20 , for example, a rivet, bolt, screw, pin, etc. Section  40  comprises edge  42  and edge  50 . Edge  50  is operatively arranged to overlay portion  46 , line  44 , and portion  48 . Section  40  is operatively arranged to measure the extent of any bevel at the end of a pipe to determine if the pipe is suitable for electrofusion, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Section  60  is rotatably connected to section  20  or section  30  via connector  70 . It should be appreciated that connector  70  may be any connecting device suitable for pivotably connecting section  60  with section  20  or  30 , for example, a rivet, bolt, screw, pin, etc. Section  60  comprises edge  62 , edge  64 , and protrusion  66 . Protrusion  66  extends from edge  64  and comprises tip  68 . In some embodiments, protrusion  66  is generally triangular comprising a first side arranged perpendicular to edge  64  terminating at tip  68 . Edge  62  is operatively arranged to overlay gauge  36 . Section  60  is operatively arranged to measure the depth of a pit, gouge, scratch, peeled section,  46 , line  44 , and portion  48 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 6A  is a front perspective view of electrofusion measuring device  10  in engagement with pipe  100 .  FIG. 6B  is a front elevational view of electrofusion measuring device  10  in engagement with pipe  100 .  FIG. 6C  is a front elevational view of electrofusion measuring device  10  in engagement with  100 . The following description should be read in view of  FIGS. 1-6C . 
     As previously described, section  40  is operatively arranged to indicate the maximum acceptable miter (e.g., ±3 degrees) and measure the end of a pipe with respect to such standard. Pipe  100  comprises radially outward facing surface  102 , end  104 , and  106 . Pipe  100  is arranged such that the longest part of radially outward facing surface  102  abuts against edge  22  (see  FIG. 6B ). End  104  abuts against edge  34 , again, at the longest part of pipe  100 . Section  40  is then rotated in circumferential direction CD 2  about connector  52  until edge  42  abuts against end  104 , as shown in  FIG. 6C . The user then observes where edge  50  is arranged in relation to surface  12 . For example, and as shown in  FIG. 6C , edge  50  overlays portion  48  arranged on the side of line  44  closest to edge  34 , which indicates that the bevel in end  104  of pipe  100  is too great (i.e., end  104  is not square enough) for electrofusion and that the pipe should not be used. In some embodiments, edge  50  overlays portion  46  on the side of line  44  furthest from edge  34 , which indicates that the bevel in end  104  of pipe is acceptable (i.e., end  104  is square enough) for electrofusion. In some embodiments, electrofusion measuring device  10  further comprises table  88  arranged on surface  14 . Table  88  indicates the maximum allowable gap with respect to a ±3 degree cut or miter on the end of pipe  100 . The max gap refers to, in trigonometry, the length of the opposite end of a right triangle having a 3-degree angle. Thus, in case section  40  was not properly working, a ruler could be used to determine whether the pipe miter was suitable for electrofusion. 
       FIG. 7A  is a front perspective view of electrofusion measuring device  10  in engagement with pipe  100 .  FIG. 7B  is a front elevational view of electrofusion measuring device  10  in engagement with pipe  10 .  FIG. 7C  is a front elevational view of electrofusion measuring device  10  in engagement with pipe  100 , as shown in  FIG. 7A . The following description should be read in view of  FIGS. 1-7A . 
     As previously described, section  60  is operatively arranged to measure and indicate the depth of pit, scratch, and/or gouge  108 , or peeled or ground down section  110 , or any imperfection in radially outward facing surface  102  of the pipe  100 . The measured depth is then compared to the minimum acceptable wall thickness, for example, shown in table  86 . Pipe  100  is arranged such that radially outward facing surface  102  abuts against edge  32  (see FIG.  7 A-B). Section  60  is then rotated in circumferential direction CD 1  about connector  70  until tip  68  of protrusion  66  extends into the deepest portion of gouge  108  (or pit, scratch, peeled section, etc.), as shown in  FIG. 7C . The user then observes where edge  62  is arranged in relation to surface  12 . For example, and as shown in  FIG. 7C , edge  62  overlays a portion of gauge  36  indicating the depth of gouge  108 . The depth is then compared to the depth chart shown in table  86  on surface  14 . For example, if pipe  100  is a 1.250″ IPS plastic pipe with gouge  108  having a maximum depth of 0.020″, then that pipe cannot be used because the depth of the gouge, 0.020″, exceeds 10% of the wall thickness, 0.016″. In another example, if pipe  100  is a 4″ IPS plastic pipe with a 13.5 dimension ratio, with peeled section  110  having a maximum depth of 0.030″, then the pipe may be used because the depth of the peeled section, 0.030″, is less than 10% of the wall thickness, 0.033″. 
     It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           10  Electrofusion measuring device 
           12  Surface 
           14  Surface 
           20  Section 
           22  Edge 
           24  Gauge 
           30  Section 
           32  Edge 
           34  Edge 
           36  Gauge 
           38  Gauge 
           39  Slot(s) 
           40  Section 
           42  Edge 
           44  Line 
           46  Portion 
           48  Portion 
           50  Edge 
           52  Connector 
           60  Section 
           62  Edge 
           64  Edge 
           66  Protrusion 
           68  Tip 
           70  Connector 
           80  Data code 
           82  Reference 
           84  Table 
           86  Table 
           88  Table 
         CD 1  Circumferential direction 
         CD 2  Circumferential direction