Patent Description:
A variety of different types of pipe machining apparatuses exist to perform various machining processes on pipes. One such process includes cutting pipes and another process includes machining or resurfacing flanges (also known as flange facing). Individuals must purchase separate machines to perform the separate machining processes, which can become expensive if numerous machines must be purchased. Additionally, a first pipe machining apparatus must be coupled to the pipe or flange to perform a first machining process, the first pipe machining apparatus must be removed after completion of the first machining process, and then the second pipe machining apparatus must be assembled and coupled to the pipe or flange to perform a second machining process. All of this setup, assembly and disassembly is time consuming and wasteful.

Furthermore, conventional flange facing machines have limited travel distances, thereby limiting the size of a flange that may be machined and/or limiting the amount of a flange that may be machined. In some instances, flange facing machines must be unassembled and reassembled in a different configuration just to complete a single machining process. For example, ring-type joints have grooves defined in opposite surfaces of opposing pipe flanges. These grooves require both edges or surfaces of the groove to be machined. Conventional machines must be assembled to machine one edge or surface of the groove, disassembled and reassembled in a different configuration to machine the other edge or surface of the groove. Furthermore, an individual may be required to purchase a variety of machining apparatuses in order to machine a wide range of flange sizes. This is an expensive endeavor.

Prior patent document <CIT> describes an examples of a split frame lathe according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, An example of a split frame lathe comprises a stationary base ring comprising a v-groove, a gear ring, a cutting tool coupled to the gear ring and at least one internal bearing system rotatably connecting the gear ring to the stationary base ring. Each of the at least one internal bearing systems comprises an eccentric bushing defining an off-center bore extending through an axial length of the eccentric bushing, a bearing pin inserted into the off-center bore of the eccentric bushing, a v-bearing that rotates around the bearing pin and that is in mateable relation with the v-groove and a locking mechanism that secures the internal bearing system to the gear ring and that fixes an angular orientation of the eccentric bushing with respect to the gear ring. A radial position of the v-bearing relative to the gear ring depends on an arcuate position of the off-center bore and, consequently, on the angular orientation of the eccentric bushing with respect to the gear ring.

The present invention is defined by the appended claim <NUM> and its dependent claims. Nothing in this section describing aspects of the disclosure should be taken as a limitation on those claims.

In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided.

In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and configured to support a machining accessory including a first tool support supporting a first tool and a second tool support supporting a second tool. The first and second tools are configured to engage a flange of a pipe to perform a machining operation.

In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and configured to support a machining accessory including a first tool support supporting a first tool and a second tool support supporting a second tool. The first tool is configured to engage a flange of a pipe to machine a first portion of a groove therein and the second tool is configured to engage the flange and machine a second portion of the groove.

In one aspect, the first portion of the groove is a first angled side of the groove and the second portion of the groove is a second angled side of the groove.

In one aspect, the first and second angled sides of the groove form a generally "V" shape.

In one aspect, the first tool and the second tool are positioned on opposite sides of the pipe machining apparatus.

In one aspect, the machining accessory also includes a bridge member supported at its ends by support members and extending across the pipe machining apparatus.

In one aspect, the first tool is supported at a first end of the bridge member and the second tool is supported at a second end of the bridge member.

In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and includes a bridge member, a second tool support supported by the bridge member, and a second tool supported by the tool support and configured to perform a second machining operation different than the first machining operation.

In one aspect, the machining operation may include at least one of facing a flange of the pipe and cutting a groove in a flange of the pipe.

In one aspect, the second tool may be configured to perform a machining operation different than the first machining operation.

In one aspect, the tool carrier may include a first coupling location and a second coupling location. The machining apparatus may be coupled to the tool carrier at both the first coupling location and the second coupling location.

In one aspect, the tool carrier defines an opening therein, and the bridge member extends across the opening.

In one aspect, the machining apparatus may include a third tool support supported by the bridge member and a third tool supported by the third tool support. The third tool may be configured to perform a third machining operation different than the first machining operation.

In one aspect, the second and third machining operations may be the same machining operation.

In one aspect, the second and third machining operations may be facing a flange of a pipe.

In one aspect, the second tool may face a first portion of the flange and the third tool may face a second portion of the flange.

In one aspect, the second and third machining operations may be cutting a groove in a flange of a pipe.

In one aspect, the second tool may cut a first portion of the groove and the third tool may cut a second portion of the groove.

In one aspect, a pipe machining apparatus is provided and includes a frame and a tool carrier coupled to and rotatable relative to the frame. The tool carrier defines an opening therein. The pipe machining apparatus also includes a bridge member coupled to the tool carrier and extending across the opening of the tool carrier, a first tool support coupled to the bridge member and supporting a first tool, and a second tool support coupled to the bridge member and supporting a second tool.

In one aspect, the first tool and the second tool may be configured to jointly perform a machining operation.

In one aspect, the machining operation may be at least one of facing a flange of a pipe and cutting a groove in a flange of a pipe.

In one aspect, when the machining operation is facing a flange, the first tool may be configured to face a first portion of the flange and the second tool may be configured to face a second portion of the flange. When the machining operation is cutting a groove, the first tool may be configured to cut a first portion of the groove and the second tool may be configured to cut a second portion of the groove.

In one aspect, the first tool and the second tool may be configured to jointly perform a plurality of machining operations.

In one aspect, the plurality of machining operations may include facing a flange of a pipe and cutting a groove in a flange of a pipe.

In one aspect, the pipe machining apparatus may further include an advancing mechanism coupled to the bridge member and configured to move the bridge member, the first tool support, the first tool, the second tool support, and the second tool relative to the tool carrier.

In one aspect, during movement as a result of the advancing mechanism, the first tool may move from an outer diameter of a flange of a pipe toward an inner diameter of the flange, and the second tool may move from the inner diameter of the flange toward an outer diameter of the flange.

In one aspect, the first and second tool supports may be selectively coupled to the bridge member and positions of the first and second tool supports may be adjustable along the bridge member.

The present invention and disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, one example of a pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is shown and is configured to machine pipes P and flanges F of varying sizes and diameters. In some examples, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is configured to perform a plurality of machining operations or functions. In such examples, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is configured to support a plurality of machining members or accessories with each machining member configured to perform a different machining operation.

For example, with reference to <FIG>, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> includes a pair of first machining apparatuses or accessories <NUM> configured to perform a first machining operation. In this example, the first machining apparatuses <NUM> are tool supports configured to support cutting tools and the combination tool supports and cutting tools are configured to perform the first machining operation, which is comprised of cutting through a pipe P. In this example, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is coupled to an outer surface <NUM> of the pipe P and the tools initially engage the outer surface <NUM> of the pipe and proceed inward to cut through the pipe P. The pipe machining apparatus <NUM> includes a tool advancing mechanism, which is conventional in the art.

Also, for example, with reference to <FIG>, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> includes a second machining apparatus or accessory <NUM> configured to perform a second machining operation. In this example, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is coupled to an outer surface <NUM> of a flange F of a pipe P and the second machining operation includes machining a surface <NUM> of the flange F. In this example, the second machining apparatus <NUM> includes two tools <NUM> (see <FIG>) that engage the surface <NUM> of the flange F to cut a groove <NUM> into the surface <NUM> of the flange F. In some examples, the groove <NUM> cut by the second machining apparatus <NUM> may be referred to as part of a ring-type joint. Similarly to the first machining apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the second machining apparatus <NUM> may be advanced with the same conventional tool advancing mechanism.

Referring now to <FIG>, the plurality of machining apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> may be interchangeably coupled to and supported by the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> to interchangeably perform the plurality of machining operations. It should be understood that while the illustrated example shows two machining apparatuses and two associated machining operations, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is capable of including and supporting any number of machining apparatuses which are capable of performing any number of machining operations. The machining apparatus interchangeability feature of the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> provides the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> with a wide range of capabilities, thereby precluding the necessity for purchasing a wide variety of separate machines each having a single machining operation or capability.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the illustrated example of the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is formed of two joined-together semicircular sections 24A, 24B and includes a frame <NUM> and a tool carrier <NUM>. The two sections 24A, 24B together comprise the frame <NUM> and the tool carrier <NUM> such that a first portion of the frame <NUM> and a first portion of the tool carrier <NUM> is included in one section 24A and a second portion of the frame <NUM> and a second portion of the tool carrier <NUM> is included in the other section 24B. The frame <NUM> has a column <NUM> extending outwardly of the two semicircular sections 24A, 24B and houses a pinion gear adapted to couple with a suitable drive motor <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is adapted to couple and be fixed relative to a pipe P and/or flange F, and the tool carrier <NUM> is rotatable relative to the fixed frame <NUM>, the pipe P and/or the flange F. The motor <NUM> is adapted to rotate the tool carrier <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> through a gear train in the column <NUM>. The tool carrier <NUM> has a circular gear rack for meshing with the pinion gear rotatably mounted in column <NUM>. In some examples, the pinion gear may have an opening provided with a polygonal perimeter for receiving a complementary shaped drive head of drive motor <NUM>. Therefore, it can be seen that drive motor <NUM> is adapted to rotate tool carrier <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> through a gear train provided by pinion gear in column <NUM> and circular gear rack on the tool carrier <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> further includes a plurality of adjustable clamp members or coupling members <NUM> engageable with the exterior surface <NUM> of the pipe P or the exterior surface <NUM> of the flange F to couple and concentrically locate the apparatus <NUM> to the pipe P or flange F. In some examples, the coupling members <NUM> have suitable adjustability to properly position the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> on the pipe P or the flange F.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first machining apparatus <NUM> includes one or more tool supports <NUM> (two tool supports shown in the illustrated example), which support tools for performing the first machining operation to the pipe P as the tools rotate circumferentially about the pipe P. The first machining operation performed by the tool(s) may be a wide variety of operations including, but not limited to, forming a straight edge cut in the pipe P perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the pipe P, forming a bevel on an end of the pipe P that is transverse to the longitudinal extent of the pipe P and at an angle other than ninety degrees, or forming an edge of a pipe P having any angle relative to the longitudinal extent of the pipe P.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second machining apparatus <NUM> includes a pair of support members <NUM> with the support members <NUM> coupled to the tool carrier <NUM> on opposite sides of the pipe machining apparatus <NUM>. Each support member <NUM> includes a base <NUM> rigidly coupled to the tool carrier <NUM> and a movable housing <NUM> supported by and moveable relative to the base <NUM>. The movable housing <NUM> is movable or translatable by the advancement mechanism.

The second machining apparatus <NUM> also includes a bridge member <NUM> coupled near a first end <NUM> thereof to one of the support members <NUM> and coupled near a second end <NUM> thereof to the other of the support members <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the bridge member <NUM> extends across the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> from one side thereof to the other, opposite side thereof. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the bridge member <NUM> extends across the flange F of the pipe P and an opening in the pipe P.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bridge member <NUM> is elongated in shape and has a longitudinal extent extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM>, which, in some examples, extends through a center of the bridge member <NUM> and is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the pipe P. In other examples, the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the bridge member <NUM> is parallel to at least one of a surface <NUM> of the flange F and/or a surface <NUM> of the tool carrier <NUM>. In further examples, the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the bridge member <NUM> may extend radially relative to the pipe P and/or the flange F. In one example, the bridge member <NUM> may define a plurality of holes or apertures therein. Such holes may decrease the overall weight of the bridge member <NUM>, while still providing the necessary strength and rigidity to the bridge member <NUM> to enable proper performance thereof. In other examples, the bridge member <NUM> may not include apertures.

With particular reference to <FIG>, in the illustrated example, the bridge member <NUM> is symmetrical about a central plane <NUM> extending through a center of the bridge member <NUM> and generally parallel to first and second opposing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the bridge member <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the bridge member <NUM> includes a first channel <NUM> defined therein in a first side of the bridge member <NUM> and extending along a length of the bridge member <NUM>, and a second channel <NUM> defined therein in a second side of the bridge member <NUM> opposite the first side and extending along the length of the bridge member <NUM>. On the first side of the bridge member <NUM>, the bridge member <NUM> includes a first pair of angled surfaces or converging surfaces <NUM> angling or converging toward the first channel <NUM>. On the second side of the bridge member <NUM>, the bridge member <NUM> includes a second pair of angled surfaces or converging surfaces <NUM> angling or converging toward the second channel <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and with further reference to <FIG>, the illustrated example of the second machining apparatus <NUM> also includes a plurality of tool supports <NUM> coupled to and supported by the bridge member <NUM>. It should be understood that the second machining apparatus <NUM> is capable of supporting and having coupled thereto any number of tool supports <NUM>. In the illustrated example, each tool support <NUM> includes a coupling member <NUM> configured to couple the tool support <NUM> to the bridge member <NUM>. Each coupling member <NUM> is adjustable to facilitate selective coupling and uncoupling of the coupling member <NUM> to and from the bridge member <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the coupling member <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a movable member <NUM> movable relative to the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a first angled surface <NUM> configured to engage one of the angled surfaces of the bridge member <NUM> on a first side of the plane <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> includes a second angled surface <NUM> configured to engage the other of the angled surfaces of the bridge member <NUM> on the same first side of the plane <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the angled surfaces of the bridge member <NUM> and the angled surfaces of the coupling member <NUM> are complementarily shaped to facilitate secure and adequate engagement and coupling between the tool support <NUM> and the bridge member <NUM>. In some examples, the engagement and/or coupling of the tool support <NUM> and the bridge member <NUM> may be referred to as a dovetail engagement and/or dovetail coupling.

The symmetrical shape of the bridge member <NUM> and the complementarily shape of the coupling members <NUM> of the tool supports <NUM> allow the tool supports <NUM> to be coupled to the bridge member <NUM> at any location along the bridge member <NUM> and on either side of the central plane <NUM> of the bridge member <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the tool supports <NUM> are illustrated. The tool supports <NUM> are substantially similar in structure, configuration and operation. Accordingly, only one of the tool supports <NUM> will described herein in detail with it being understood that the description herein may apply to all the tool supports <NUM>. In addition to each tool support <NUM> including a coupling member <NUM> as previously described, each tool support <NUM> including a tool holder <NUM> configured to hold and support a tool <NUM>. The tool <NUM> is configured to engage and machine a surface <NUM> of a flange F. The tool holder <NUM> may be adjusted to adjust a distance the tool <NUM> projects from the tool holder <NUM>. Additionally, the angle or orientation of the tool <NUM> may be adjusted relative to a flange F to be machined. For example, in the illustrated example shown in <FIG>, the tool <NUM> has its longitudinal extent oriented in a generally vertical manner (as shown in the figure). The tool <NUM> may be adjusted to have its longitudinal extent oriented at any angle offset from the vertical orientation illustrated in <FIG>. This adjustability may adjust the manner in which the tool <NUM> machines the surface <NUM> of the flange F.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, operation of the second machining apparatus <NUM> will be described in more detail. In this illustrated example, the second machining apparatus <NUM> is capable of performing the second machining operation, which is comprised of machining or cutting a groove <NUM> into a surface <NUM> of the flange F that is capable of receiving a sealing member <NUM> (see <FIG>). This type of operation may be referred to as forming a ring-type joint groove. Since the second machining apparatus <NUM> includes two tool supports <NUM> capable of supporting two tools <NUM>, the second machining apparatus <NUM> is capable of machining the groove <NUM> at least twice as fast as only having a single tool support. That is, with reference to <FIG>, the first tool <NUM> supported by the first tool support <NUM> machines a first edge or first side <NUM> of the groove <NUM> while, with reference to <FIG>, the second tool <NUM> supported by the second tool support <NUM> simultaneously machines a second edge or second side <NUM> of the groove <NUM>. As the second machining apparatus <NUM> is advanced by the advancing mechanism, the second machining apparatus <NUM> moves in a single direction, which results in the two tool supports <NUM> moving in the same, single direction. While advancing or moving in this same, single direction, the first tool <NUM> machines the first side <NUM> of the groove <NUM> and the second tool <NUM> machines the second side <NUM> of the groove <NUM>. In one example, since the tool supports <NUM> have similar structure, configuration and operation, the first tool support <NUM> is coupled to the bridge member <NUM> on one side of the central plane <NUM> and the second tool support <NUM> is coupled to the bridge member <NUM> on the other side of the central plane <NUM>.

In other examples, if the second machining apparatus <NUM> only included a single tool support <NUM> and single tool <NUM>, the tool support <NUM> would be initially positioned on the bridge member <NUM> to machine one of the sides of the groove <NUM>, then upon completion of machining the one of the two sides of the groove <NUM>, the tool support <NUM> would have to be uncoupled from the bridge member <NUM>, repositioned on the bridge member <NUM> to machine the other side of the groove, and then recoupled to the bridge member <NUM>. Examples where the second machining apparatus <NUM> includes a single tool support <NUM> and single tool <NUM> do not fall under the scope of the appended claims.

As indicated above, the tool <NUM> of each tool support <NUM> has a wide range of adjustability. This adjustability may provide the capability of machining grooves <NUM> of a wide variety of depths, configurations, shapes, etc..

The second machining apparatus <NUM> is also capable of machining a wide range of types and sizes of flange surfaces. In some instances, flanges are relatively narrow and in other instances flanges may be relatively wide. Additionally, the flanges of pipe may be positioned in different orientations relative to the second machining apparatus <NUM>. The second machining apparatus <NUM> is configured to machine a wide range of flanges sizes and orientations. Advancement mechanisms may have a limited range of travel. In one example, an advancement mechanism may have <NUM> (<NUM> inches) of travel. This travel distance may be insufficient to machine a flange on a pipe. The second machining apparatus <NUM> is configured to accommodate this insufficient travel distance of the advancement mechanism. For example, the tool support <NUM> may be coupled to the bridge member <NUM> at any location along the bridge member <NUM>. In such an example, the tool support <NUM> would be positioned along the bridge member <NUM> in a location that would be able to machine the entire flange. Also, for example, the flange may be larger than <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in width. In such an example, the tool support <NUM> may be positioned in a first position along the bridge member <NUM> to machine a first portion of the flange, then the tool support <NUM> can simply be repositioned along the bridge member <NUM> in a second position to machine a second portion of the flange. This repositioning of the tool support <NUM> is easy and quick, and can occur as many times as necessary to fully machine the flange. Also, in this example where the flange may be wider in width than the <NUM> (<NUM> inches) of travel, a plurality of tool supports <NUM> can be coupled to the bridge member <NUM> such that a first tool support <NUM> may be positioned to machine a first portion of the flange and the second tool support <NUM> can be positioned to simultaneously machine a second portion of the flange. Together, the first and second tool supports <NUM> would machine the entire flange. In this example, any number of tool supports <NUM> may be coupled to the bridge member <NUM> to treat an entire flange. In still other examples, it may be necessary to treat a surface of a flange past a centerline of the flange. In such an example, the tool support may be coupled to the bridge member <NUM> near the centerline on a first side of the centerline and the advancement distance of the advancement mechanism (for example, <NUM> (<NUM> inches)) would advance the tool support <NUM> past the centerline to the second side of the centerline.

Conventional pipe machining apparatuses have a fixed amount of advancement travel and a particular type of pipe machining apparatus must be used based on the size of the flange to be machined. In such instances, several machines must be purchased in order to machine a wider range of flange sizes. This is an expensive endeavor in order to machine a wide range of flanges.

The second machining apparatus <NUM> of the present disclosure is capable of machining a wide range of flange sizes itself. Furthermore, the second machining apparatus <NUM> is configured to advance the tool <NUM> and tool supports <NUM> in both an inside-out direction and an outside-in direction. For example, when you position a tool support <NUM> on one side of the centerline, the tool support <NUM> may be advancing in an inside-out direction and when you position a tool support <NUM> on the other side of the centerline, the tool support <NUM> may be advancing in an outside-in direction. In some examples, the second machining apparatus <NUM> may advance tool supports <NUM> in both directions. That is, if a first tool support <NUM> is coupled to the bridge member <NUM> on a first side of the centerline and a second tool support <NUM> is coupled to the bridge member <NUM> on a second side of the centerline, the first tool support <NUM> may advance in an outside-in direction and the second tool support <NUM> may advance in an inside-out direction.

With reference to <FIG>, one example of a ring-type joint is illustrated. In this example, the second machining apparatus <NUM> is used to machine a groove <NUM> into opposing surfaces <NUM> of opposing flanges F. In some examples, the surfaces <NUM> in which the grooves <NUM> are defined may be raised surfaces or surfaces that otherwise project beyond the flanges F. A sealing member <NUM> having a thickness greater than the combined depths of the grooves <NUM> may be aligned with and positioned in the grooves <NUM>. The flanges F are then moved together and coupled together. As the flanges F move together and/or when the flanges F are coupled together, the sealing member <NUM> is crushed or otherwise deformed between the two flanges F to provide an adequate seal between the flanges F.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of the second machining apparatus <NUM> is shown and is utilized to perform a third machining operation different than the first and second machining operations. In one example, the tool <NUM> is used to machine a surface <NUM> of the flange F such that the surface <NUM> is roughened or otherwise not smooth. This roughening operation may be performed and/or achieved in a variety of manners. In the illustrated example, the tool <NUM> is aligned with an edge (inner or outer depending on location of tool support <NUM> on bridge member <NUM>) of the surface <NUM> to be roughened and the tool carrier <NUM> begins to rotate the second machining apparatus <NUM>. The tool <NUM> cuts a small groove <NUM> into the surface <NUM> and the second machining apparatus <NUM> is advanced via the advancement mechanism to advance the tool <NUM> relative to the surface <NUM> to be roughened. In this example, the result would be a record-groove-type cut in the surface <NUM> of the flange F as illustrated in <FIG>. In some examples, this type of flange surface machining may be referred to as flange facing.

Since the tool support <NUM> may be coupled anywhere along the bridge member <NUM>, the second machining apparatus <NUM> may machine the surface <NUM> of the flange F either in a direction from outside-in or in a direction from inside-out. This capability depends on the direction the second machine apparatus <NUM> is advanced by the advancing mechanism, and the tool support <NUM> and tool <NUM> are positioned near the appropriate end of the bridge member <NUM> and on the appropriate side of the central plane <NUM> of the bridge member <NUM>. In some examples, the second machining apparatus <NUM> may utilize two tool supports <NUM> and two tools <NUM> to perform this third machining operation. In such an example, the first tool support <NUM> and first tool <NUM> may be positioned near an edge of the surface <NUM> to be roughened and the second tool support <NUM> and tool <NUM> may be positioned near a middle of the surface <NUM> to be roughened. As the second machining apparatus <NUM> advances, the first tool <NUM> can machine an outer half of the flange surface <NUM> and the second tool <NUM> can machine the inner half of the flange surface <NUM>, or vice versa. Using two tool supports <NUM> can significantly reduce the time required to machine the surface <NUM> of the flange F.

Referring now to <FIG>, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is shown with one example of a third machining apparatus <NUM> coupled thereto. As indicated above, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> may include a plurality of interchangeable machining apparatuses or accessories. The illustrated example of the third machining apparatus <NUM> may be interchangeably coupled to the tool carrier <NUM> of the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> similarly to the first and second machining apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the third machining apparatus <NUM> interchangeably couplable to the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> with the first machining apparatus <NUM> in order to simplify the drawings; however, it should be understood that the third machining apparatus <NUM> may be interchangeably couplable to the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> with any number of machining apparatuses. In this manner, a system or a kit is provided that includes the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> and a plurality of machining apparatuses or accessories <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that may be interchangeably coupled to the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> to perform a wide variety of machining operations. Conventionally, a user would have had to purchase a separate machine for each desired type of machining operation. For example, a user would have had to purchase two or three different machines in order to perform the two or three exemplary machining operations descried herein. Purchasing a plurality of separate machines can be an expensive endeavor for an individual since each machine is expensive.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the third machining apparatus <NUM> includes a tool support <NUM> and a tool <NUM>. The third machining apparatus <NUM> is capable of performing flange facing or roughening a surface <NUM> of the flange F similarly to the flange face or surface roughening performed by the second machining apparatus <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a pipe machining apparatus <NUM> is capable of having only a single third machining apparatus <NUM> coupled thereto. In such examples, the pipe machining apparatus <NUM> may include a counter-balance member <NUM> coupled to the tool carrier <NUM>. The counter-balance member <NUM> may have a sufficient weight to counter-balance the weight of the single third machining apparatus <NUM> and ensure balanced operation of the pipe machining apparatus <NUM>. The illustrated example of the counter-balance member <NUM> is only one example of many different configurations, shapes, styles, etc., and all of such examples are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the counterbalance member <NUM> includes a base <NUM> capable of being coupled to the tool carrier <NUM> in a manner similar to the first, second and third machining apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In one example, the counter-balance member <NUM> may be adjusted or advanced relative to the base <NUM> and the tool carrier <NUM> in a manner similar to the first, second and third machining apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, the counter-balance member <NUM> may be advanced by the advancement mechanism similarly to the third machining apparatus <NUM> to correspond to the advancement of the third machining apparatus <NUM>. In this manner, a proper amount of counter-balance weight may be provided by the counter-balance member <NUM> as the third machining apparatus <NUM> is advanced to machine the flange F. In the illustrated example, the counter-balance member <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> to assist with manipulation and handling of the counter-balance member <NUM>. In another example, the counter-balance member <NUM> may be coupled to the tool carrier <NUM> and may not be advanced by the advancement mechanism. In this example, the counter-balance member <NUM> remains fixed in place relative to the tool carrier <NUM> as the apparatus <NUM> advances or moves relative to the tool carrier <NUM>.

The components and resulting functionalities of the pipe machining apparatuses included herein are adapted to be included in any size pipe machining apparatus to machine any size pipe and/or flange, and operate in the same manner, thereby providing a modularity capability to the present disclosure. That is, for example, whether the pipe machining apparatus is adapted to cut pipes of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the components are all adapted to be included in any possible size pipe machining apparatus and operate in the same manner.

It should be understood that the use of any orientation or directional terms herein such as, for example, "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "back", "left", "right", "side", etc., is not intended to imply only a single orientation of the item with which it is associated or to limit the present disclosure in any manner. The use of such orientation or directional terms is intended to assist with the understanding of principles disclosed herein and to correspond to the exemplary orientation illustrated in the drawings. For example, the pipe machining apparatus may be utilized in any orientation and use of such terms is intended to correspond to the exemplary orientation of the pipe machining apparatus illustrated in the drawings. The use of these terms in association with the pipe machining apparatus is not intended to limit the pipe machining apparatus to a single orientation or to limit the pipe machining apparatus in any manner.

Claim 1:
A pipe machining apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a tool carrier (<NUM>) coupled to and rotatable relative to the frame (<NUM>), wherein the tool carrier (<NUM>) defines an opening therein; and
a machining apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a bridge member (<NUM>) coupled to the tool carrier (<NUM>) and extending across the opening of the tool carrier (<NUM>), and
a first tool support (<NUM>) coupled to the bridge member (<NUM>) and supporting a first tool (<NUM>),
characterized in that the machining apparatus (<NUM>) further comprises a second tool support (<NUM>) coupled to the bridge member (<NUM>) and supporting a second tool (<NUM>); and
wherein the bridge member (<NUM>) is symmetrical about a central plane (<NUM>) extending through a centre of the bridge member (<NUM>);
wherein the bridge member (<NUM>) includes a first pair of angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) angling toward each other in a first side of the bridge member (<NUM>) and extending along a length of the bridge member, one of the first pair of angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) being on a first side of the plane (<NUM>) and the other of the first pair of angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) being on a second side of the plane (<NUM>);
wherein the bridge member (<NUM>) includes a second pair of angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) angling toward each other in a second side of the bridge member (<NUM>) opposite the first side and extending along the length of the bridge member (<NUM>), one of the second pair of angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) being on the first side of the plane (<NUM>) and the other of the second pair of angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) being on the second side of the plane (<NUM>);
wherein the first tool support (<NUM>) includes a first coupling member (<NUM>) configured to engage the angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) on the first side of the plane (<NUM>); and
wherein the second tool support (<NUM>) includes a second coupling member (<NUM>) configured to engage the angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) on the second side of the plane (<NUM>).