Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A device (100) for setting length of a tube for an edge preparation machine, comprising of:
a stopper (101);
a top clamp (102) extending outwards in axial direction, wherein the stopper (101) is connected to the top clamp (102) at one end;
a bottom clamp (103) fastened to the other end of the the top clamp (102), wherein a gap is created between the top clamp (102) and the bottom clamp (103); and
a shaft (104) having a connecting plate, wherein one end of the shaft (104) is inserted through the gap and the other end is connected to a cylinder (108) by a link (107).

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sensor is connected to the cylinder (108) for automatic operation of the stopper (101).

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1-2, wherein the shaft (104) is supported by a plurality of shaft supporters (105) that are connected with the machine to hold the total length of the shaft (104).

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein the top clamp (102) and the bottom clamp (103) are connected using a plurality of fasteners including nuts and bolts.

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein the gap created is circular for housing the shaft (104).

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1-5, wherein a pin (106) is used for connecting the link (107) and the cylinder (108) to the shaft (104).
7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1-6, wherein the cylinder (108) is pneumatic and converts an up and down motion into partial rotation movement using the link (107).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1-7, wherein the partial rotation movement is transferred to the shaft (104) which rotates the stopper (101).
, Description: A DEVICE FOR SETTING LENGTH OF A TUBE FOR AN EDGE PREPARATION MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a device for setting length of a tube for an edge preparation machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to the device to measure tube length for cutting and edge preparation process by reducing the manual measuring and cutting process.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Steam generators used for power generation have several components like super heaters, re-heaters, economisers and water wall panels. Several materials grades are used in boiler tubes for example carbon steel (Gr A1, Gr C), Low alloy steel (T11, T12 & T23), High alloy steel (T23, T91, T92) and stainless steel (347H, Super304H).
[0004] Most of the tube raw materials are supplied in length of 10meters by domestic as well as foreign tube suppliers. The re-heater, economisers and super-heater coils have a design requirement up to 40 meters length. Therefore, in order to get cutting, chamfering of tubes, the process used to maintain the length of the tubes in order to get cutting, chamfering of tubes is known as Automatic Tube cutting & Edge Preparation machine (ATCEP).
[0005] The machine is designed and constructed for measuring, cutting and edge preparation of the tubes that are automatically sent from tube feed to discharge. The edge preparation involves cutting, facing, chamfering and boring to correct size of internal diameter (ID), depending on job requirement. The edge preparation profile is usually used to form “V” Groove and “J” Groove style weld joint preparation when the tubes butt against each other.
[0006] The problem in the prior art is that the manual measuring system where there is manual involvement of the operator, the correct length and accuracy is not maintained. For maintaining the correct measurements, the length is maintained from both sides. Due to that reason minimum two operators are needed to measure the tube from each side. Since such manal operation is needed, there are high chances of error leading to low output and quality.
[0007] It is therby required to provide a device that addresses the aforesaid shortcomings and serves the purpose efficiently.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] It is therefore the object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in prior arts.
[0009] It is a primary object of the present disclosure is to reduce the operator involvement while measuring the length.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to reduce the manual setting of tubes measurement and tube cutting for cutting and edge preparation process.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to reduce the errors of length variation due to manual length setting process.
[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.

SUMMARY
[0014] One or more drawbacks of conventional systems and process are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the apparatus/composition and a method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.
[0015] Solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0016] The present disclosure offers a solution in the form of a device for setting length of a tube for an edge preparation machine, comprising of a stopper, a top clamp extending outwards in axial direction, wherein the stopper is connected to the top clamp at one end and a bottom clamp fastened to the other end of the the top clamp, wherein a gap is created between the top clamp and the bottom clamp and a shaft having a connecting plate, wherein one end of the shaft is inserted through the gap and the other end is connected to a cylinder by a link.
[0017] In an aspect of the invention, a sensor is connected to the cylinder for automatic operation of the stopper.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the shaft is supported by a plurality of shaft supporters that are connected with the machine to hold the total length of the shaft.
[0019] In still another aspect of the invention, the top clamp and the bottom clamp are connected using a plurality of fastners including nuts and bolts.
[0020] In yet another aspect of the invention, the gap created is substantially circular for housing the shaft.
[0021] In one another aspect of the invention, a pin is used for connecting the link and the cylinder to the shaft.
[0022] In yet one another aspect of the invention, the cylinder is pneumatic and converts an up and down motion into partial rotation movement using the link.
[0023] In still another aspect of the invention, the partial rotation movement is transferred to the shaft which further rotates the stopper.
[0024] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[0026] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0027] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:-
[0029] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates the stopper;
[0031] Fig. 2 illustrates the top clamp connected with the stopper;
[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates the bottom clamp;
[0033] Fig. 4 illustrates the shaft with the connecting plate;
[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates the shaft supporter for holding the total length of the shaft;
[0035] Fig. 6 illustrates the pin for connecting the cylinder and the link;
[0036] Fig. 7 illustrates the the link fixing with cylinder;
[0037] Fig. 8 illustrates the pneumatic cylinder;
[0038] Fig. 9 illustrates the assembled device according to the present invention.
[0039] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
[0040] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0042] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0043] Referring to Fig. 1, a stopper (101) is illustrated. The stopper (101) is substantially circular and is connected to the top clamp (102) by welding process. The stopper (101) is used for setting accurate length of the tubes which are further sent for cutting or edge prepration. The desired length is preset and by using the measuring tap which is fitted in the machine, the required length is set by the stopper (101).
[0044] Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a top clamp (102) and a bottom clamp (103) are illustrated. The top clamp (102) is extended axially. On its one end, the stopper (101) is connected. Its other end is connected with the bottom clamp (103) using a plurality of fasteners including nuts and bolts. When both the clamps are bolted (102), (103), they form a substantially circular gap through which a shaft (104) passes and gets itself attached to the top clamp (102) and the bottom clamp (103) to pass the partial rotation movement to the stopper (101).
[0045] Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the shaft (104) is supported using the shaft supporters (105). One end of the shaft 104 is connected to the top clamp (102) and bottom clamp (103) and the other end is connected to a cylinder (108). The shaft supporters (105) are connected with machine body to hold the total length of the shaft (104).
[0046] Referring to Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the connecting plate of the shaft (104) is attached to the cylinder (108) using a link (107), wherein a pin (106) is used for connecting the link (107) and the cylinder (108) to the shaft (104). The cylinder (108) is pneumatic and converts an up and down motion into partial rotation movement using the link (107). This motion is transmitted to the shaft (104) where it is converted into partial roatation motion and the same is transferred to the stopper 101 to open and close the stopper (101).
[0047] Referring to Fig. 9, the present disclosure comprises of the device (100) for setting length of a tube for the edge prepration machine. It comprises of the stopper 101 that is substantially circular which is attached to the top clamp (102). The stopper (101) is attached to the top clamp (102) via welding process. The top clamp (102) is further fastened to the bottom clamp (103) by the nuts and bolts forming substantially a circular gap when they are joined together.
[0048] The shaft (104) has the connecting plate, whose one end is inserted through the circular gap created between the top clamp (102) and the bottom clamp (103) and the other end having the connecting plate is joined to the cylinder (108) using the link (107). The shaft (104) is supported by the shaft supporters (105) that are connected with the machine to hold the total length of the shaft (104). The shaft supporters (105) help in providing sturdiness to the device (100). The pin (106) is used for connecting the link (107) and the cylinder (108) to the shaft (104).
[0049] A sensor is attached to the cylinder (108) for operating the stopper (101) automatically. Basically, the cylinder (108) starts working when the tube crosses the sensor. As the cylinder (108) comes in motion, the up and down movement of the cylinder (108) is converted into rotation by moving the shaft (104) partially, which further moves the stopper (101) to get into desired position or length as pre-set by the operator. So that, the tube that is to be cut for edge prepration is stopped by the stopper (101) at the accurate length.
[0050] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to disclosures containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Also, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0051] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0052] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0053] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0054] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particulars claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogues to “at least one of A, B and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.
[0055] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0057] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0058] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.