Improvements in Machinery or Apparatus for Cutting Tubes or Bars into Lengths.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Feb., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 14th Nov., 1892-Accepted, 17th Dec., 1892
"
I
:
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery or Apparatus for Cutting Tubes or Bars
into Lengths.
We, ARCHER EDWARDS, and RICHARD JOHN EDWARDS, both of Luke Street,
Curtain Road, in the City of London, Manufacturers, and WILLIAM REUBEN
LANE, of 145 Heathfield Road, Handsworth, in the County of Stafford, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to machinery or apparatus used for transversely cutting
tubes, such as brass tubes or iron tubes cased with brass, or solid bars, into pieces
of any desired length. Such apparatus has generally heretofore consisted of a
portable wrench or frame, having at one end an opening or jaw which can be
adjusted over the tube to be cut, and the opening being provided with one or more
loosely revolving steel discs arranged transversely to the tube, and one or more of
them having angular or sharp cutting edges, which when the wrench is turned
round with sufficient force, (the tube being firmly fixed) cut a groove in the proper
position round the periphery of the tube. A screw is provided by which one of
the discs can be forced gradually toward the tube, so that the depth of the groove
is increased until the tube is cut through.
...The present invention has for its object improved methods of making, arranging,
adjusting, and operating cutting apparatus, so that the process is very much quicker
and more effective than has heretofore been the case.
In order to put the invention in operation, we take a strong and firmly fixed
standard provided with bearings in which revolves (preferably horizontally) a
tubular spindle of sufficient size to receive tubes or bars of the largest diameter
which it.is intended to cut; and a driving pulley, toothed wheel, or other equivalent
device is fixed upon the spindle, by which the latter can be set in sufficiently. rapid
revolution by steam or other convenient power.
One: end of the tubular spindle projects for a sufficient distance beyond the
bearing in which it revolves, and upon it is fixed or formed, adjoining or near the
latter, a strong ring or collar. At the outer end of the projecting hollow spindle
is fixed or formed another collar or disc, having three radial notches or recesses
at its circumference, the bottom of the notches extending to a short distance from
the body of the tubular spindle itself. The sides of each notch are parallel with
each other, and they form guides in which fit freely the outer ends of three bars,
arranged parallel with the hollow spindle, and having their inner ends extending
sufficiently far back to be pivotted upon tangential pins or axes carried by the
collar first described upon the spindle and adjoining the bearing. The outer ends
of the bars can therefore move radially inward and outward in the grooves in the
outer disc.
Upon the ends of the three bars described, are formed or screwed strong pins
parallel (or nearly so) with the tubular spindle, and upon them turn freely three
steel discs, one or more of which form the cutters which when pressed inward toward
the central fixed tube or bar which is to be cut, (whilst the spindle together with
the cutters or discs is in rapid revolution,) cut or form a groove round the tube
which, when the groove is of sufficient depth, is therefore severed. Those discs
which are not used as cutters, press against and support the tube without cutting
it, or instead of such discs, blocks may be used which do not rotate, and any
5 projecting edge raised by the action of the cutters is thus forced down.
In order to gradually force the revolving discs or cutters radially inward whilst
the operation is proceeding, the outer edges of the three pivotted bars which carry

page_text: them as described, are made inclined or wedge-shaped, their thinnest parts being
at their pivotted ends, and their thickness gradually increasing to the other or
outer ends which carry the pins on which the discs or cutters turn.
Surrounding and concentric with the tubular spindle we arrange a strong ring,
the inner diameter of which embraces the wedge shaped bars, and is made somewhat
conical to fit them, so that if the ring is moved longitudinally, to the thinnest end
of the bars, the discs at the outer ends of the latter can separate to their fullest
extent, whilst if the ring is moved gradually outward towards the thickest ends of
the bars, the latter, together with the discs which they carry, are forced gradually
inward against the tube which is being cut.
In order to move the moveable ring as described, it is preferably carried in the
fork of a lever to the two sides of which it is pivotted, and the other end of the
lever may be moved in either direction by a handle, or a screw, or by a treadle
operated by the foot of an attendant, and preferably acted upon by levers arranged
to form what is well known as a "toggle" joint.
Or, they may be carried in a slide or guide, and moved backward and forward
as desired, by a rack and pinion, screw, or equivalent means. Instead of the
moveable bars described being wedge shaped, it is evident that they may be of
uniform thickness, but arranged in an inclined position to be acted upon by the
moveable ring, and they may be provided upon their outer inclined faces with a
longitudinal friction roller by which the friction as they revolve against the inner
side of the moveable. ring is reduced.
If necessary, springs may be arranged to force the bars and discs outward, when
the moveable ring is drawn back, and instead of being pivotted to the inner fixed
ring or collar upon the hollow spindle, they may be rigidly screwed or otherwise
fixed to the latter, being made in such case sufficiently flexible and elastic to bend
as their outer ends are forced inward.
In a modified form of construction we arrange the discs or cutters upon spindles
formed upon or fixed to the inner ends of bars or brackets, fitted in and moveable
radially in radial grooves in the face of a disc or plate fixed upon the projecting
end of the tubular spindle.
The inner ends of these sliding bars or brackets project backward at right angles
and parallel with the spindle, and the outer edges of these projecting parts are
made inclined or taper, so that when a moveable ring of the kind already described,
which fits round and embraces them, is moved outward it draws them together with
the discs, inward toward the tube to be cut, whilst when the ring is moved in the
opposite direction, it releases them and allows the brackets and discs to move
outward by their centrifugal force or by means of springs.
The ring is moved backward and forward by means similar to those already
described.
.
In order to remove any roughness or burr from the inner and outer edges of the
cut end of the tube, we prefer to use a conical revolving cutter consisting of a
sufficient number of cutting plates or blades of suitable size and shape, over which
the end of the tube is pressed so that the inside roughness is removed. Outside
this conical cutter we arrange, between its blades, a number of similar blades
forming a hollow conical cutter, by which the roughness is simultaneously removed
from the outer edge of the end of the tube. The last named blades are preferably
pivotted to a revolving spindle which carries them, in the same way as in the
cutting machine first described, their outer edges being inclined or wedge shaped
and being surrounded by a moveable ring by means of which their cutting edges
can be brought nearer to the centre of the tube as may be desired.
By this means the inner and outer edges of the cut ends of tubes of different
diameters, can be simultaneously and very quickly trimmed, and the roughness
removed.
In order to support the tubes or bars which are being cut in the machine as
first described, especially where they are of considerable length, we arrange in a
-line with the tubular spindle but at a somewhat lower level, a strong cylindrical

page_text: bar supported by vertical uprights below, upon which bar are fitted discs or
plates which can be fixed in any desired position upon it by a screw or equivalent
means.
These discs have a series of circular holes through them near their circumference,
opening at their outer side to the circumference so as to form notches. The centres
of all the holes being at the same distance from the centre, and in such a position
that the centre of each hole when in its highest position is exactly opposite to the
end of the tubular spindle of the cutting machine.
The holes are of different sizes to fit different sized tubes or bars, and they may
be lined with felt or other soft material.
The supports for the bar upon which the discs fit are made preferably of as little.
thickness as conveniently possible, and a radial opening of corresponding width is
made in each disc from the centre to the circumference, so that the discs may be
moved from end to end of the bar, and adjusted in any desired position.
One or more of the discs may be provided with a similar moveable disc or plate at
its outer side, such plate having only one notch of considerable size at its circum-
ference, and the plate when turned round and fixed to the notched guiding plate or
disc, forming a stop against which the outer end of the tube or bar which is being
cut is pressed, so that the exact length of the latter is determined.
An indicating scale may be provided upon the supporting bar, to measure the
exact position of the disc. We also arrange upon the supporting bar a gripping
device to hold the tubes firmly whilst being cut. This gripper consists of two arms
pivotted upon the bar, and their upper ends being of such a shape that when
brought together round the tube (by separating their lower ends) they grip it and
hold it firmly without injury. The lower ends are connected by a "toggle" joint,
worked by an arm or bar connected to the treadle by which the cutting discs are
brought together as first described, a spring being inserted in the connecting arm or
bar so that the treadle can continue its movement after the tube is firmly held by
the grippers.
As already explained the cutting machine is applicable to both tubes and bars.
The details of the apparatus may be varied more or less as may be found
advisable, according to the circumstances and conditions in which it is to be used.
Dated this 12th day of February 1892.
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London,
Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery or Apparatus for Cutting Tubes or Bars
into Lengths.
We, ARCHER EDWARDS, and RICHARD JOHN EDWARDS, both of Luke Street,
Curtain Road, in the City of London, Manufacturers, and WILLIAM REUBEN
LANE, of 145 Heathfield Road, Handsworth, in the County of Stafford, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement and accompanying drawings, that is to say :-
This invention relates to machinery or apparatus used for transversely cutting
tubes such as brass tubes or iron tubes cased with brass or solid bars, into pieces of
any desired length. Such apparatus has generally heretofore consisted of a portable
wrench or frame, having at one end an opening or jaw which can be adjusted over
the tube to be cut and the opening being provided with one or more loosely
revolving steel discs arranged transversely to the tube, and one or more of them
having angular or sharp cutting edges, which when the wrench is turned round with
sufficient force (the tube being firmly fixed) cut a groove in the proper position

page_text: round the periphery of the tube. A screw is provided by which one of the discs
can be forced gradually toward the tube, so that the depth of the groove is increased
until the tube is cut through.
The present invention has for its object improved methods of making arranging,
adjusting, and operating cutting apparatus so that the process is very much quicker
and more effective than has heretofore been the case.
In the accompanying drawings which are in illustration of our invention
Figure 1 is a side view, and Figure 2 a back view of the machine.
In order to put the invention in operation, we take a strong and firmly fixed
standard a provided with bearings b, b, in which revolves (preferably horizontally)
a tubular spindle c of sufficient size to receive tubes or bars of the largest diameter
which it is intended to cut, and a driving pulley, toothed wheel, or other equivalent
device is fixed upon the spindle by which the latter can be set in rapid revolution
by steam or other convenient power. In the drawing a toothed wheel d is shewn
which is driven by a toothed pinion e and fast and loose pullies at ƒ (Figure 2).
One end of the tubular spindle c projects for a sufficient distance beyond the
bearing in which it revolves and upon it is fixed or formed, adjoining or near the
latter (as shewn upon a larger scale in Figures 3 and 4) a strong ring or collar g.
At the outer end of the projecting hollow spindle c is fixed or formed another
collar or disc g (having three radial notches or recesses at its circumference as
shewn at Figure 5) the bottom of the notches h extending to a short distance from
the body of the tubular spindle c itself. The sides of each notch h are parallel
with each other as shewn, and they form guides in which fit freely the outer ends.
of three bars i, i, i, (of which only one is shewn in Figure 3) arranged parallel with
the hollow spindle c and having their inner ends extending sufficiently far back to
be pivotted at k upon tangential pins or axes carried by the collar g first described
upon the spindle and adjoining the bearing. The outer ends of the bars i can
therefore move radially inward and outward in the grooves or notches / in the
outer disc g¹.
Upon the ends of the three bars i described are formed or screwed strong pins /
parallel (or nearly so) with the tubular spindle, and upon them turn freely three steel
discs m one or more of which form the cutters which when pressed inward toward
the central fixed tube or bar which is to be cut and which is shewn at o (Figure 1)
(whilst the spindle c together with the cutters or disc m is in rapid revolution) cut
or form a groove round the tube which when the groove is of sufficient depth is
therefore severed. If only one, or two, of the discs are used as cutters the other
or others press against and support the tube without cutting it but act as burnishers
or instead of such discs, blocks may be used which do not rotate, and any projecting
edge raised by the action of the cutters is thus forced down.
In order to gradually force the revolving discs or cutters m radially inward whilst
the operation is proceeding, the outer edges or ends of the pivotted bars i which
carry them as described, are made inclined or wedge shaped at their thinnest parts
being at their pivotted ends, and their thickness gradually increasing to the other or
outer ends which carry the pins on which the discs or cutters in turn.
Surrounding and concentric with the tubular spindle we arrange a strong ring p,
the inner diameter of which embraces the wedge shaped bars i, and is made some-
what conical to fit them, so that if the ring is moved longitudinally, to the thinnest
ends of the bars the discs at the outer ends of the latter can separate to their fullest
extent, whilst if the ring p is moved gradually outwards towards the thickest ends
of the bars, the latter together with the discs in which they carry are forced
gradually inward as shewn in the drawings against the tube which is being cut.
In order to move the moveable ring pas described, it is preferably carried in
the fork of a lever r (shewn separately in front view in Figure 6) to the two sides
of which it is pivotted at 5, s, and the lever may be moved in either direction by a
bandle, or a screw or (as shewn in Figure 1) by a treadle t operated by the foot of
an attendant and preferably'acting upon the lever by levers uu arranged to form
what is well known as a "toggle joint."

page_text: Springs are arranged at to bring back the lever r and ring p when pressure.
upon the treadle is removed.
Or the ring p may be carried in a slide or guide, and moved backward and
forward as desired, by a rack and pinion, screw, or equivalent means. Instead of
the moveable bars described being wedge shaped, it is evident that they may be of
uniform thickness but arranged in an inclined position to be acted upon by the
moveable ring, and they may be provided upon their outer inclined faces with a
longitudinal friction roller by which the friction as they revolve against the inner.
side of the moveable ring is reduced.
If necessary, springs may be arranged to force the bars and discs outward,
when the moveable ring is drawn back, and instead of being pivotted to the inner
fixed ring or collar upon the hollow spindle, they may be rigidly screwed or other--
wise fixed to the latter as shewn in Figures 7 and 8 at w, being made in such case
sufficiently flexible and elastic to bend as their outer ends are forced inward by the
ring p.
In a modified form of construction (illustrated in Figures 9, 10, 11, Figure 9°
being a front view, Figure 10 a side view partly in section and Figure 11 a back
view), we arrange the discs or cutters in upon spindles formed upon or fixed
to the inner ends of bars or brackets fitted in and moveable radially in radial
grooves in the face of a disc or plate y fixed upon the projecting end of the tubular
spindle c.
The inner ends of these sliding bars or brackets project backward at right
angles and parallel with the spindle and the outer edges of these projecting parts
are made inclined or taper at ', so that when a moveable ring p of the kind
already described, which fits round and embraces them, is moved outward it
draws them, together with the discs, radially inward toward the tube to be cut,
whilst when the ring p is moved in the opposite direction it releases them and allows
the brackets and discs m to move outward by their centrifugal force or by means
of springs.
P
The ring is moved backward and forward by means similar to those already
described.
In order to remove any roughness or burr from the inner and outer edges of the
cut end of the tube, we prefer to use a conical revolving cutter (as illustrated in
Figure 12) consisting of a sufficient number of cutting plates or blades of suitable
size and shape, over which the end of the tube is pressed so that the inside rough-
ness is removed. Outside this conical cutter we arrange, between its blades, a
number of similar blades 2 forming a hollow conical cutter, by which the roughness
is simultaneously removed from the outer edge of the end of the tube. The last
named blades are preferably pivotted to a revolving spindle 3 which carries them,
in the same way as in the cutting machine first described, their outer edges being
inclined or wedge shaped and being surrounded by a moveable ring 4 by means
of which their cutting edges can be brought nearer to the centre of the tube as
may be desired.
By this means the inner and outer edges of the cut ends of tubes of different
diameters, can be simultaneously and very quickly trimmed and the roughness
removed.
The device described may be conveniently attached to a spindle 5 revolving
in bearings in the frame a (Figure 2) and driven by the toothed wheel d and
pinion 6.
In order to support the tubes or bars which are being cut in the machine as
first described, especially where they are of considerable length, we arrange in a
line with the tubular spindle (as illustrated in Figure 13) but at a somewhat lower
level, a strong cylindrical bar 7 supported by vertical uprights below, upon which
bar are fitted discs or plates 8 which can be fixed in any desired position upon it by
a screw or equivalent means.
These discs have a series of circular holes through them near their circumference.

page_text: •
opening at their outer side to the circumference so as to form notches 9. The
centres of all the holes or notches being at the same distance from the centre and
in such a position that the centre of each hole or notch when in its highest position
is exactly opposite to the end of the tubular spindle c of the cutting machine.
The holes are of different sizes to fit different sized tubes or bars, and they may
be lined with felt or other soft material.
"
The supports 11 for the bar 7 upon which the discs 8 fit are made preferably of
as little thickness as conveniently possible, and a radial opening 12 of corresponding
width is made in each disc from the centre to the circumference, so that the
discs may be moved from end to end of the bar and adjusted in any desired
position.
One or more of the discs may be provided with a similar moveable disc or plate
at its outer side such plate having only one notch of considerable size at its
circumference, and the plate when turned round and fixed to the notched guiding
plate or disc, forming a stop against which the outer end of the tube or bar which
is being cut is pressed, so that the exact length of the latter is determined.
An indicating scale may be provided upon the supporting bar, to measure the
exact position of the disc. We also arrange upon the supporting bar a gripping
device to hold the tubes firmly whilst being cut. This gripper consists of two
arms pivotted upon the bar 7, or upon a stud or pivot 13, Figures 2 and 14, carried
by the support, and their upper ends being of such a shape that when brought
together round the tube (by separating their lower ends) they grip it and hold it
firmly without injury.
:
The lower ends are connected by a "toggle" joint 14 worked by an arm or
bar 15 connected to the treadle t by which the cutting discs m are brought together
as first described, a spring 16 being inserted in the connecting arm or bar so that
the treadle can continue its movement after the tube is firmly held by the
grippers, which may be lined with wood or other suitable material to prevent
injury to the tubes. As already explained the cutting machine is applicable to
both tubes and bars.
The details of the apparatus may be varied more or less as may be found
advisable, according to the circumstances and conditions in which it is to be
used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
In machinery or apparatus for cutting tubes or bars into lengths,
1. The combination of a standard or frame, a hollow mandrel carrying two or
more adjustable bars provided with cutting discs, a conical ring for bringing such
cutting discs together, and levers for actuating the conical ring, all arranged and
operating substantially as described.
2. In the combination claimed in Claim 1, the substitution for one or more of
the revolving cutting discs, of revolving or fixed burnishers, substantially as
described.
3. The combination with the hollow mandrel c made to revolve at a high speed,
of the pivotted bars i carrying cutting discs or burnishers, inclines i, guides h, and
conical ring p arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose described
and illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5.
4. In the combination claimed in Claim 3, the substitution for the pivotted bars,
of the elastic fixed bars i shewn in Figures 7 and 8.
5. In combination with the conical ring b operating as described, the levers r, u, u,
and treadle t and the springs v, substantially as and for the purpose described and
illustrated.
6. In combination with the hollow mandrel c made to revolve at a high speed,
the discy having radial grooves, the brackets s moving in such radial grooves and

page_text: carrying revolving discs or cutters or burnishers m, and having inclined ends .c¹
projecting backward, and the conical ring p actuating such inclined ends, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated in Figures 9, 10, and 11.
7. In combination with the revolving cutters or burnishers, the holder consisting
of jaws embracing the tube or bar to be cut, and connected by links 14 and
spring 16 with the treadle t, and operating substantially in the manner and for
the purpose described, and illustrated in Figures 1 and 14.
8. For the purpose of removing the rough edges from the outside and inside of
the tubes which have been cut, the revolving conical cutter consisting of fixed
blades 1, 1, 1, adjustable blades 2, 2, 2, and a moveable ring 4, which can be
adjusted in any desired position substantially as described and illustrated in
Figure 12.
1000
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicants.