Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a cutting system, method and apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cutting apparatus having bits to cut an object. 
         [0002]    Known systems exist for cutting pipe and/or other objects. Further, loose pipes and/or pipes that are installed and/or integrated on-site in an industrial setting may also require certain cutting tools and/or methods. The pipes may be cut on-site when new fittings and/or equipment may be added to an existing installation. Also, in-line equipment and/or connections may be removed from an installation due to a failure and/or a desired change in the current design and/or installation. Thus, the on-site pipes may require that a cutting apparatus is portable. For example, a valve and/or meter may be installed and/or removed in-line with the existing pipe installation. 
         [0003]    In certain applications, the cutting apparatus may be delivered to the location to cut the pipe on-site. Certain cutting systems may cut the pipe in a saw-like manner. However, other cutting systems may operate in the same general manner as a lathe may be used to cut a pipe. Such cutting systems may encircle the pipe to perform a cutting operation. To this end, for example, known cutting systems for cutting pipes on-site may have a split frame design to fit around and/or may be secured to the pipe at the particular location. A cutting tool connected to the cutting apparatus may travel around the pipe and/or workpiece engaging the outer diameter of the pipe to make a circumferential cut into the pipe. Such a cutting system may also be known as a clamshell lathe. 
         [0004]    Further, the clamshell lathe may be used for making a variety of cuts and/or bevels on a variety of pipes. The clamshell lathe may cut pipes to remove inoperative, malfunctioning, outdated and/or unwanted equipment from an installation. 
         [0005]    The clamshell lathe may also be used for weld preparation on a pipe. Weld preparation may require that the end of the pipe is finished in a particular manner for subsequently performing a weld. Weld preparation may include cutting a clean end at the desired location of the pipe. Weld preparation may also include cutting a desired bevel at the end of the pipe. When the newly cut pipe is welded to the desired pipe and/or other equipment, the beveled edge provides an area of adherence for the weld to make a suitable connection. 
         [0006]    The known cutting systems may experience and/or require large tool pressures when cutting the pipe. The pressures may be even greater when attempting to remove a relatively large amount of material from the pipe. The tool pressure may also be greater with a cut that may be performed at a greater speed. Also, the tool pressure may be greater with harder and/or thicker pipe materials. Such larger tool pressures may cause premature failures of the cutting tools and/or the motor driving the cutting apparatus. Point loads may also occur on the bits during cutting operations. Such point loads may also cause premature failures of the bits. Consequently, known systems may fail due to breakage of the cutting tools and/or bits due to high tool pressures. The drive motors may also fail due to the high loads. 
         [0007]    Further, cutting times and other working times may be dependent upon many variables. For example, the level of training and/or experience of the operator may be a key factor. As with any task, an experienced operator may be able to operate the equipment more efficiently. Another factor may be the type of drive used. Hydraulic drives typically take 25% to 40% less time to complete a cut than air drives. However, hydraulic drives typically require a hydraulic power supply. Thus, hydraulic drives may not be as portable as air drives. Lastly, the type of form cutting and the location of the cutting operation may also have an effect upon the cutting time. 
         [0008]    Thus, a need exists for a cutting system that may reduce point loads and/or provide a more equalized load than the loads experienced in known cutting systems. Also, a need exists for a cutting system that may reduce tool pressures when cutting a pipe. Further, a need exists for a cutting system capable of cutting pipes that may provide extended tool and/or bit life. Moreover, a need exists for a cutting system that may reduce the cutting time of a cutting operation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention generally relates to a cutting system, method and apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cutting apparatus having bits enabling the cutting apparatus to cut an object. 
         [0010]    To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a bit apparatus is provided. The apparatus may have a body having a first end and a second end. The second end may be located opposite to the first end. The body may have a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side may be located opposite to the top side. The body may have a first side and a second side. The second side may be located opposite to the first side. The first side and the second side may be substantially perpendicular to the top side and the bottom side. The body may have a flank at the first end. The flank may have a surface on the top side. The body may have a shank at the second end. The shank may extend from the top side to the bottom side and may extend from the first side to the second side. A plurality of serrations may be formed in the flank extending from the first end to the shank. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, a groove may be located between the plurality of serrations. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, a first portion and a second portion of the flank are provided The first portion may define a first angle from the top side at the first end. The plurality of serrations may be formed in the first portion of the flank and extend within the first angle. The second portion of the flank may define a second angle. The plurality of serrations may be formed in the second portion of the flank and extend within the second angle. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the plurality of serrations may have a relief angle extending from the first side to the second side. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the plurality of serrations may be angled relative to the bottom of the body. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the surface may be angled relative to the top side of the body. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for cutting a pipe using a cutting apparatus is provided. The pipe may have an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The outer diameter may have a surface. The method may have the steps of encircling the pipe with the cutting apparatus; attaching a first bit to the cutting apparatus; rotating the cutting apparatus around the pipe; and engaging the plurality of serrated teeth of the first bit with the surface of the pipe. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the method may have the step of advancing the first bit in a direction from the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the pipe. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, each of the plurality of serrated teeth may have a length. The first bit may have a first end and a second end. The second end may be located opposite to the first end. The length of the plurality of serrated teeth may differ in size from the first end to the second end. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the method may have the step of attaching a second bit to the cutting apparatus. The second bit may engage the surface of the pipe after the first bit. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, the method may have the step of attaching a second bit to the cutting apparatus. The second bit may bevel an end of the pipe to form a shape in the end of the pipe. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the method may have the step of attaching a second bit to the cutting apparatus. The second bit removes material from the pipe. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, the method may have the step of severing the pipe from the outer diameter to the inner diameter. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, the method may have the step of beveling the pipe to form a shape on an end of the pipe. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the method may have the step of forming a compound bevel on an end of the pipe. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for cutting an object is provided. The system may have a cutting apparatus. A first bit may be connected to the cutting apparatus. The first bit may have a plurality of serrations. A second bit may be connected to the cutting apparatus. The second bit may be connected to the cutting apparatus in a position opposite to the first bit. The second bit may be positioned to contact the object after the first bit contacts the object. 
         [0026]    In an embodiment, the plurality of serrations may extend within a first angle and a second angle. The first angle and the second angle may be different. 
         [0027]    In an embodiment, each of the plurality of serrations may have a length. The first bit may have a first end and a second end. The second end may be located opposite to the first end. The length of the plurality of serrations may differ in size from the first end to the second end. 
         [0028]    In an embodiment, the cutting apparatus may be connected to the object and may rotate around the object. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment, the first bit and the second bit may have a compound bevel. 
         [0030]    It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus having cutting bits to cut an object. 
         [0031]    Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may reduce point loads and/or provide a more equalized load than the loads experienced in known cutting systems. 
         [0032]    A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may reduce tool pressures when cutting the object. 
         [0033]    An advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may reduce tool pressures when cutting a pipe. 
         [0034]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may reduce wear on the cutting bits relative to the wear experienced by bits in known cutting apparatuses. 
         [0035]    A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may provide extended tool and/or bit life. 
         [0036]    Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may reduce the time required to cut an object relative to the time required to cut an object using known cutting apparatuses. 
         [0037]    A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may operate using a hydraulic drive. 
         [0038]    An advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may operate using a pneumatic drive. 
         [0039]    An advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may operate using an electric drive. 
         [0040]    Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may automatically feed a bit into the object. 
         [0041]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may have a split frame to facilitate installation in certain applications. 
         [0042]    A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may reduce labor and/or time required to install and/or remove the apparatus relative to known cutting apparatuses. 
         [0043]    Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may simultaneously sever and bevel an in-line pipe. 
         [0044]    A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may provide weld preparation for an in-line pipe. 
         [0045]    Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system, a method and a cutting apparatus for cutting an object which may be controlled remotely. 
         [0046]    Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a cutting apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a cutting apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention cutting a pipe. 
           [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a cutting apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention cutting a pipe. 
           [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a tool block and slide of a cutting apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 8  illustrates an end view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 12  illustrates an end view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of a bit in an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 14  illustrates a tool bit profile on a pipe cut by a cutting apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0061]    The present invention generally relates to a cutting system, method and apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cutting apparatus having bits to cut an object. To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a bit apparatus is provided. The apparatus may have a body having a first end and a second end. The body may have a top side, a bottom side, a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side may be substantially perpendicular to the top side and the bottom side. The body may have a flank at the first end. The flank may have a surface on the top side. The body may have a shank at the second end. The shank may extend from the top side to the bottom side and may extend from the first side to the second side. Serrations may be formed in the flank extending from the first end to the shank. 
         [0062]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts, the figures generally illustrate a cutting apparatus  10  in embodiments of the present invention. The cutting apparatus  10  may be a clamshell lathe. The cutting apparatus  10  may be a portable pipe lathe. Specifically, the Mactech Series LC clamshell lathes (manufactured by the assignee of this application, Mactech Inc., Red Wing, Minn.) may be such an example that may be used for numerous operations. For example, the cutting apparatus  10  may be designed to simultaneously sever and/or bevel in-line pipe, as well as machine any angle bevel simultaneously with the severing operation. However, the invention is not limited to clamshell lathes. A standard lathe or other cutting apparatus may be used and is considered to be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0063]    The cutting apparatus  10  may have a frame  100 . The frame  100  may be designed to permit the cutting apparatus  10  to be opened and fitted around in-situ pipe  50  or other round workpieces as shown in  FIG. 2 . The frame  100  may be split for easy installation as described in more detail hereafter. A first tool bit  110  and/or a second tool bit  111  may automatically feed and/or advance into the pipe  50  with each rotation of the cutting apparatus  10  to assure precise machining as also shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0064]    The cutting apparatus  10  may perform numerous functions using various tool bits designed to perform a particular function. For example, the cutting apparatus  10  may sever in-line pipe, sever and bevel in-line pipe, sever and J-bevel in-line pipe, sever and double-bevel in-line pipe, counter bore an inner diameter (I.D.) of a pipe and/or remove socket welds. In particular, the cutting apparatus  10  may use the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  to prepare weld profiles on an end of a pipe  50  to facilitate butt welding of two round pipes  50  or other round components as shown in  FIG. 14 . Further, the cutting apparatus  10  may machine pipe formed of various materials, such as steel and various steel alloys, stainless steel, aluminum, copper-nickel, nickel-copper-iron and/or bronze. However, the present invention is not limited to cutting a particular type of pipe; other materials and objects may also be cut using the cutting apparatus  10 . 
         [0065]    In an embodiment, the cutting apparatus  10  may have several component parts. For example, the cutting apparatus  10  may have a split ring assembly  150  that may be disassembled for installation on and/or around in-line piping. In an embodiment, the frame  100  may be solid aluminum. The frame  100  may have a housing  160  and bearing mountings (not shown) for a rotating cutting head assembly  170 , a mounting bracket  175  for a drive motor  180 , a gear shield  185  and/or locator pads  190  for clamping the cutting apparatus  10  to the pipe  50 . The housing  160  may provide a mounting surface for the locators  190 , bearings (not shown), the drive motor  180  and a trip pin  200 . 
         [0066]    The housing  160  may also provide rigidity to the cutting apparatus during the machining process. A gear  210  may rotate on the housing  160 . The gear shield  185  may be configured as a metal cover to shield the operator from the rotating gear  210 . Tool blocks  215  and/or slides  220  may be mounted on the surface of the cutting head assembly  170 . In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the two tool blocks  215  and the slides  220  are located approximately 180 degrees from each other on the cutting head assembly  170 . 
         [0067]    The cutting head assembly  170  may be equipped with the split ring gear assembly  150  that may be manufactured from steel, such as, for example, heat treated  4140  alloy steel. The split ring gear assembly  150  may align with split lines  222  of the frame  100  enabling the cutting apparatus  10  to split in half along the split lines  222 . Swing bolts  225  may hold each part of the cutting apparatus  10  together. Loosening the swing bolts  225  may enable the operator to split the cutting apparatus  10  along the split lines  222  to open the cutting apparatus  10 . The cutting apparatus  10  may encircle the pipe  50  to install the cutting apparatus  10  around closed loop piping. 
         [0068]    The cutting head assembly  170  may run on precision bearings (not shown) that provide for both axial and radial force reactions that may be experienced in pipe machining. The bearings may be designed so that adjustments are not required. The gear  210  of the cutting head assembly  170  may be an integral spur gear. A lock pin  250  may be located on the face of the cutting assembly  150  to impinge upon the gear  210 . The lock pin  250  may have a handle  255 . In an embodiment, one lock pin  250  may be provided on each half of the cutting assembly  150 . Each lock pin  250  may prevent the gear  210  from rotating while not in use. 
         [0069]    Further, the cutting apparatus  10  may operate using different drives. For example, a pneumatic/air drive assembly  260  may be used as shown in  FIG. 1 . The air drive assembly  260  may include an air caddy (filter and lubricator, not shown) and/or a right angle or an in-line air drive  265 . Also, the cutting apparatus  10  may operate using a hydraulic drive assembly  270  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In addition, the cutting apparatus  10  may operate using an electrical drive assembly (not shown). 
         [0070]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the cutting apparatus  10  may have the air drive motor assembly  260  mounted to the frame  100 . The air drive assembly  260  may include the air drive motor  180 . The pneumatic/air motor  180  may be a type of drive motor that may use compressed air to drive a gearbox  195 . The gearbox  195  may drive the cutting apparatus  10  for cutting and/or machining operations. The air drive motor  180  may be the in-line air drive  265  shown in  FIG. 1  or a right angle air drive (not shown). 
         [0071]    In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the hydraulic drive assembly  270  may include a hydraulic drive motor  275 . The hydraulic drive motor  275  may use hydraulic fluid (powered by a power supply, not shown) flowing through hydraulic lines  280  to the drive motor  275  to drive a gearbox  285 . The gearbox  285  may drive the cutting apparatus  10  for cutting and/or machining operations. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the cutting apparatus  10  may have the hydraulic drive assembly  270  mounted to the frame  100 . 
         [0072]    Either the air drive motor assembly  260  or the hydraulic drive assembly  270  may be configured with a pinion gear on a shaft with sealed ball bearings (not shown). The air drive motor  180  may have the mounting bracket  175  designed to accept the reaction torque generated by the air drive motor  180 . 
         [0073]    The cutting apparatus  10  may use certain tooling for performing severing and/or beveling operations on the pipe  50 . For example, ½″, ¾″ and/or 1″ high speed tool steel inserts of various sizes may be used, depending upon the machining operation desired. Such tool steel inserts may be the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111 . Any degree of bevel or counter bore may be provided. Moreover, standard preparation configurations may include right hand bits for beveling on the side of the cut on which the cutting apparatus  10  may be mounted and left hand bits for beveling on the opposite side of the cut. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the cutting apparatus  10  may have tool blocks  215  designed to hold the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111 . The tool block  215  and the slide  220  may position the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  at the desired location on the diameter of pipe during a cutting operation. In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates the tool block  215  and the slide  220  separate and apart from the cutting apparatus  10 . A combination of the tool block  215  and the slide  220  may hold the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  during the machining process and may also feed the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  into the pipe  50 . The tool block  215  may move along the slide  220  as the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  may be fed into the pipe  50  by a feed screw  310 . For example, the feed screw  310  may be a threaded rod integrated with the tool block  215  and the slide  220 . The feed screw  310  may also be connected to an automatic radial feed star wheel mechanism  330  shown in  FIG. 1 . The combination of the feed screw  310  and the star wheel mechanism  330  may enable the tool block  215  to advance along the slide  220 . The first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  may thereby feed and/or advance into the pipe  50  during a machining and/or cutting operation. 
         [0075]    The tool block  215  may be mounted to the cutting head assembly  150  and may have the automatic radial feed star wheel mechanism  330  and adjustable tapered gibs  335 . The star wheel mechanism  330  may be a seven point star or a nine point star. 
         [0076]    In an embodiment, a feed rate may be controlled by the star wheel mechanism  330 . As the cutting bit  110  advances into the pipe  50 , the star wheel mechanism  330  may be incremented upon each revolution of the cutting apparatus  10 . Therefore, the user may compensate for a size of the pipe  50 , an amount and/or a type of material located in the wall of the pipe  50 , and/or other conditions. Accordingly, the feed rate may be maintained at the predetermined feed rate and may stay constant during cutting and/or machining of the pipe  50 . 
         [0077]    Further, the tool block  215  may be designed to maintain the radial clearance equal to the frame diameter and have adjustable gibs  335  to adjust for wear. The cutting apparatus  10  may use either light duty (LD) or ultra strength (US) blocks. The tool blocks  215  and/or the slides  220  may have bolts  340  to securely hold the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111 . During a machining and/or cutting operation, the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  may experience high forces. The bolts  340  may securely hold the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  to withstand such forces. The trip pin  200  may be located on a fixed bracket  345  on the housing  160  of the cutting apparatus  10 . The trip pin  200  may “trip” the star wheel  330  on the feed screw  310 , enabling the feed screw  310  to rotate, which in turn may advance the tool block  215  down the tool slide  220  into the pipe  50 . 
         [0078]    Further, the cutting apparatus  10  may have the adjustable locator pads  190 . The pads  190  may be actuated by turning set screws  350  located in the housing  160 . The cutting apparatus  10  may have a set of four stackable locator pads  190 , covering the standard range of pipe for each cutting apparatus  10 . The stackable locator pads  190  may enable the operator to center the cutting apparatus  10  on the pipe  50 . The four adjustable locator pads  190  may be actuated by jackscrews  355  from the outside of the frame  100 . Additional sizes of extensions may be available for non-standard mounting needs. 
         [0079]    The first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  may be provided for severing, severing and double beveling, severing and beveling on the side of the cut on which the cutting apparatus  10  may be mounted (right hand), severing and beveling on the opposite side of the cut (left hand), counter boring, socket weld removal, etc. 
         [0080]    Referring now to an embodiment of the first tool bit  110  shown in  FIGS. 5-9 , the first tool bit  110  may be configured as a sever bit and/or a bevel bit. In a machining operation, the first tool bit  110  may act as a parting bit to remove material from the pipe  50 . Thus, the first tool bit  110  may sever the pipe  50 . In addition, the first tool bit  110  may form a compound bevel  360  in the pipe  50  as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0081]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 14 , the bevel  360  may have a first angle  365  and/or a second angle  370 . In an embodiment, the first angle  365  may be approximately 37 degrees, and the second angle  370  may be approximately 10 degrees. However, the invention is not limited to any particular size of angles. The first angle  365  and the second angle  370  may be selected for a particular application and/or bevel desired. Such a configuration profile may be conducive for weld preparation. For example, each of two pipes  50  may have their respective ends  375  machined with the profile shown in  FIG. 14 . The two pipe ends  375  may be butted together for welding the pipes  50  together in a butt weld. When butted together, for example, the bevel profile on the pipe ends  375  may form a channel  380  between the pipe ends  375  to allow for field welding of the pipes  50 . The pipe  50  may also have an inner wall  385  and an outer wall  390 . The bevel  360  may be formed at the end  375  of the pipe  50 . The outer wall of the pipe  50  may have a surface  395 . The surface  395  may be impinged upon by the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  during a cutting operation and/or a machining operation. To machine such a profile on the pipe end  375 , for example, the first tool bit  110  may have a particular configuration. 
         [0082]    Referring again to  FIGS. 5-9 , the first tool bit  110  may have a body  400 . The body  400  may be made from tool steel or other suitable material known to one having ordinary skill in the art. The body  400  may be generally rectangular in shape. The body  400  may have a first end  405  and a second end  410  that may be located opposite to the first end  405 . Further, the body  400  of the first tool bit  110  may have a top side  415  and a bottom side  420  that may be located opposite to the top side  415 . The body  400  may also have a flank  425  at the first end  405  and a shank  430  at the second end  410 . The flank  425  may have a face  435  on the top side  415  and a nose  440  at the first end  405 . Moreover, the first tool bit  110  may have serrations  444  formed in the flank  425  extending from the nose  440  to the shank  430 . The serrations  444  may increase in size from the first end  405  toward the second end  410 . 
         [0083]    During a cutting and/or machining operation, the serrations  444  may impinge upon the pipe  50  to remove material from the pipe  50 . Each of the serrations  444  may engage the pipe  50  to remove material from the pipe  50 . In particular, the serrations  444  may engage the surface  395  of the pipe  50  to remove material from the pipe  50 . Thus, each of the serrations  444  may act like a single tool bit. 
         [0084]    During the machining process, the first tool bit  110  may experience a tool pressure. Also, each of the serrations  444  may experience a tool pressure. However, the individual tool pressures experienced by each of the serrations  444  may be less individually than the tool pressure experienced by a tool bit without serrations. In certain machining processes and/or when machining pipes of certain materials, the tool pressures may be substantial and potentially damaging to the cutting apparatus  10  and/or the first tool bit  110 . Thus, the reduced individual tool pressures on each of the serrations  444  may reduce the overall tool pressures experienced by the first tool bit  110 . Also, the aggregated machining by each of the serrations  444  may effectively accumulate so that the first tool bit  110  may remove more material from the pipe  50  with less tool pressure in accordance with the advantages of the invention. 
         [0085]    Also, a groove  445  may be formed between each of the serrations  444 . The groove  445  may allow for material may be cut from the pipe  50  to be removed from the cutting area. Such cuttings  450  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The cuttings  450  may spiral from the cutting area to provide a cleaner cutting operation. 
         [0086]    The serrations  444  may also have different shapes, configurations, frequencies and/or sizes. In the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the flank  425  may have a first portion  451  and/or a second portion  452 . The first portion  451  of the flank  425  may subtend a first angle  455  from the nose  440  at the first end  405  of the first tool bit  110 . The first angle  455  of the first tool bit  110  may be substantially the same as the first angle  365  of the bevel  360  shown in  FIG. 14 . For example, the first angle  455  of the first tool bit  110  and the first angle  365  of the bevel  360  may be approximately 37 degrees. 
         [0087]    Similarly, the second portion  452  of the flank  425  may subtend a second angle  460 . The second angle  460  of the first tool bit  110  may be substantially the same as the second angle  370  of the bevel  360  shown in  FIG. 14 . For example, the second angle  455  of the first tool bit  110  and the second angle  370  of the bevel  360  may be approximately ten degrees. In the embodiment shown, the serrations  444  formed in the first portion  451  of the flank  425  may extend substantially within the first angle  455 . Further, the serrations  444  formed in the second portion  452  of the flank  425  may extend substantially within the second angle  460 . 
         [0088]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the first end  405  of the first tool bit  110  is illustrated. The body  400  of the first tool bit  110  may have a first side  470  and a second side  475  that may be opposite to the first side  470 . The first side  470  and the second side  475  may be substantially parallel to each other. The first side  470  may be the cutting side of the first tool bit  110  that may primarily contact the pipe  50  during a cutting and/or machining operation. In particular, a cutting point  480  on the first side  470  of the body  400  of the first tool bit  110  may primarily contact the pipe  50  during a cutting operation and/or a machining operation. In an embodiment, metal processing, heat treatments, coatings and/or metal hardening processes known to one having ordinary skill in the art may be used on the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  to harden the cutting point  480  and/or each of the serrations  444 . 
         [0089]    The face  435  on the top  415  of the first tool bit  110  subtends an angle  485  having a vertex at the cutting point  480 . The angle  485  on the face  435  may act as a relief for the cuttings  450  to peel away from the cutting point  480  of the first tool bit  110  during the cutting operation and/or the machining operation. Also, the serrations  444  may also subtend an angle  490  from the first side  470  of the body  400  to the second side  475  of the body  400  of the first tool bit  110 . The angle  490  may act as a relief for the cuttings  450  to peel away from the serrations  444  of the first tool bit  110  during a cutting and/or machining operation. 
         [0090]    Referring now to an embodiment of the second tool bit  111  shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , the second tool bit  111  may be configured as a sever bit and/or a bevel bit. In a machining operation, the second tool bit  111  may act as a parting bit to remove material from the pipe  50 . Thus, the second tool bit  111  may sever the pipe  50 . In an embodiment, the second tool bit  500  may follow the first tool bit  400  during a cutting and/or machining operation. Thus, the second tool bit  111  may smooth the edges previously created by the serrations  444  of the first tool bit  110  during a cutting and/or machining operation during a rotation of the cutting apparatus  10  around the pipe  50 . In addition, the second tool bit  111  may form the compound bevel  360  in the pipe  50  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The bevel  360  may have the first angle  365  and/or the second angle  370 . In an embodiment, the first angle  365  may be approximately 37 degrees, and the second angle  370  may be approximately ten degrees. However, the invention is not limited to any particular size of angles. The first angle  365  and the second angle  370  may be selected for a particular application and/or bevel desired. Such a configuration profile may be conducive for weld preparation. 
         [0091]    To machine such a profile on the pipe end  375 , for example, the second tool bit  111  may have a particular configuration. The second tool bit  111  may have a body  500 . The body  500  may be made from tool steel or other suitable material known to one having ordinary skill in the art. The body  500  may be generally rectangular in shape. The body  500  may have a first end  505  and a second end  510  that may be located opposite to the first end  505 . Further, the body  500  of the second tool bit  111  may have a top side  515  and a bottom side  520  that may be located opposite to the top side  515 . The body  500  may also have a flank  525  at the first end  505  and a shank  530  at the second end  510 . The flank  525  may have a face  535  on the top side  515  and a nose  540  at the first end  505 . During a cutting and/or machining operation, the second tool bit  111  may impinge upon the pipe  50  to remove material from the pipe  50 . 
         [0092]    The second tool bit  111  may also have different shapes, configurations, and/or sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, the flank  525  may have a first portion  551  and/or a second portion  552 . The first portion  551  of the flank  525  may subtend a first angle  555  from the nose  540  at the first end  505  of the second tool bit  111 . The first angle  555  of the second tool bit  111  may be substantially the same as the first angle  365  of the bevel  360  shown in  FIG. 14 . For example, the first angle  555  of the second tool bit  111  and the first angle  365  of the bevel  360  may be approximately 37 degrees. 
         [0093]    Similarly, the second portion  552  of the flank  525  may subtend a second angle  560 . The second angle  560  of the second tool bit  111  may be substantially the same as the second angle  370  of the bevel  360  shown in  FIG. 14 . For example, the second angle  555  of the second tool bit  111  and the second angle  370  of the bevel  360  may be approximately ten degrees. In the embodiment shown, a groove  545  may be formed in the flank  525 . The groove  545  may be formed in the first portion  551  and/or the second portion  552  of the flank  525 . Further, the groove  545  may allow for material cut from the pipe  50  to be removed from the cutting area. Such cuttings  450  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The cuttings  450  may spiral from the cutting area to provide a cleaner cutting operation. 
         [0094]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the first end  505  of the second tool bit  111  is illustrated. The body  500  of the second tool bit  111  may have a first side  570  and a second side  575  that may be opposite to the first side  570 . The first side  570  and the second side  575  may be substantially parallel to each other. The first side  570  may be the cutting side of the second tool bit  111  that may primarily contact the pipe  50  during a cutting operation and/or a machining operation. In particular, a cutting point  580  on the first side  570  of the body  500  of the second tool bit  111  may primarily contact the pipe  50  during a cutting operation and/or a machining operation. The face  535  on the top  515  of the second tool bit  111  subtends an angle  585  having a vertex at the cutting point  580 . The angle  585  on the face  535  may act as a relief for the cuttings  450  to peel away from the cutting point  580  of the second tool bit  111  during a cutting operation and/or a machining operation. Also, the flank  525  may also subtend an angle  590  from the first side  570  of the body  500  to the second side  575  of the body  500  of the second tool bit  111 . The angle  590  may act as a relief for the cuttings  450  to peel away from the second tool bit  111  during a cutting and/or machining operation. 
         [0095]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the top  515  of the second tool bit  111  is illustrated. The body  500  of the second tool bit  111  may have a relief groove  595  on the face  535  of the top  515  of the second tool bit  111 . The relief groove  595  may act as a relief for the cuttings  450  to peel away from the cutting point  580  and/or the second tool bit  111  during a cutting operation and/or a machining operation. 
         [0096]    Of course, different shapes and/or sizes of the tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111  are possible, and the present invention is not limited to the specific shapes and/or sizes disclosed. One skilled in the art may determine that another size may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0097]    Cutting capacity of the cutting apparatus  10  may be determined by the maximum depth of cut of the first tool bit  110  and/or the second tool bit  111 . For example, standard size tooling for an operation having a sever machining operation and/or a bevel machining operation may enable an operator to cut a pipe having a 2.15″ wall. For heavier wall piping, larger tooling may be required to machine the desired wall size. 
         [0098]    In an embodiment, a method for cutting and/or machining the pipe  50  and/or other round object using the cutting apparatus  10  of the invention may be provided. The method may encircle the pipe  50  with the cutting apparatus  10  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As previously described, the cutting apparatus  10  may separate to encircle the pipe  50 . The cutting apparatus  10  may then be closed around the pipe  50 , secured together and adjusted for proper operation. Further, the pipe  50  may have the inner wall  385  and the outer wall  390 . Further, the outer wall of the pipe  50  may have the surface  395 . Also, the method may attach the first tool bit  110  to the cutting apparatus  10 . The first tool bit may have the serrations  444 . The method may rotate the cutting apparatus  10  around the pipe  50 . The cutting apparatus  10  may rotate in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow R shown in  FIG. 1 . Finally, the method may engage the serrations  444  of the first tool bit  110  with the surface  395  of the pipe  50 . The method may advance the first tool bit  110  in a direction from the outer wall  390  to the inner wall  385  of the pipe  50 . The method may attach the second tool bit  111  to the cutting apparatus  10 . The second tool bit  111  may follow the first tool bit  110  during a cutting operation and/or a machining operation. The second tool bit  111  may form a smooth bevel on the pipe  50 . 
         [0099]    Thus, the cutting and/or machining process in an embodiment may have the steps of: 
         [0100]    (1) encircling the pipe  50  with the cutting apparatus  10 ; 
         [0101]    (2) attaching the first tool bit  110  to the cutting apparatus  10 ; 
         [0102]    (3) rotating the cutting apparatus  10  around the pipe  50 ; and 
         [0103]    (4) engaging the plurality of serrations  444  of the first tool bit  110  with the surface  395  of the pipe  50 . 
         [0104]    Moreover, operation of the cutting apparatus  10  may be controlled remotely in an embodiment. Operation of the cutting apparatus  10  may be controlled remotely, such as, for example, by a ROV interface as known to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the cutting apparatus  10  may be located on a job site to cut and/or machine the pipe  50 , and the cutting apparatus  10  may be controlled from a remote location relative to the job site or at a different location on the job site. 
         [0105]    Other variations and/or geometric configurations which are known to one having ordinary skill in the art are possible and are deemed to be within the scope of this disclosure. The materials used for the components of the cutting apparatus  10  may be selected from any suitable material to perform the desired function for operation of the cutting apparatus  10 . The materials must also be capable of withstanding environmental conditions that may be encountered. Considerations of performance and/or reliability are also important in the selection of the material. Other materials which are known to one having ordinary skill in the art may be selected and are deemed to be within the scope of this disclosure. Further, known cutting techniques that are suitable for the type of material selected are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0106]    As disclosed above, the cutting apparatus  10  may also be manufactured in numerous embodiments. The various embodiments of the cutting apparatus  10  may have additional components which may provide enhanced functionality of the cutting apparatus  10 . 
         [0107]    Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the specific arrangement of the components of the cutting apparatus  10  illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 4