Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame comprising of a fixture mounted with a torch assembly, wherein the fixture includes a
main rod (4) with main clamp (1) at intermediate point, nozzle clamp (2) at the farther end and pointer clamp (6) near anterior end of the rod; the torch assembly comprises of
Oxygen tube [7] and Gas tube [13] joined at gas nozzle [5] fixed to the fixture by said nozzle clamp (2), in which the Gas- Oxygen mixing takes place inside the nozzle [5].

2. The fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame as claimed in claim 1, wherein flash back arresters [9 & 10] are provided on the tubes so as to avoid any back fire.

3. The fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein control valves [11 & 12] are provided for the tubes [7 & 13] so as to regulate the Oxygen and Gas flow respectively.

4. The fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein a top plate (8) is clamped by the main clamp (1) and is provided in order to support the flash back arresters [9 & 10] of the torch assembly.

5. The fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame as claimed in claims 1-4, wherein the clamps (1, 2, 6) are provided with locking screws (3) for fixing the same to the main rod (4).

6. The fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein the main rod (4) acts as the main frame of the fixture, main clamp (1) is provided for fixing the torch assembly, nozzle clamp (2) for fixing the torch nozzle, pointer clamp (6) for fixing the pointer and lock screws (3) for locking the clamps (1, 2, 6).

7. The fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein the Fixture is made of material including Mild steel and the Torch assembly is made of material including Brass.
, Description:“A FIXTURE FOR CUTTING LARGE DIAMETER OPENINGS IN PLATES AND PIPES USING GAS FLAME”

FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] This invention relates in general to gas flame cutting. More particularly, the invention relates to a fixture developed for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using the gas flame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION/PRIOR ART:
[002] 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.

[003] In our plant, plates and pipes are to be cut in circular openings. Cutting requirements are there up to 2metres for various applications like pipe end covers, internal fabrication etc. Acetylene gas with Oxygen was used for the cutting process. There was no standard arrangement for cutting of large diameter openings in plates or pipes. Often manual cutting was resorted which results in rough surfaces and imperfect circles. Hence, there is a need to develop a fixture arrangement for smooth and easy cutting operation.

PRIOR ART:
[004] Reference may be made to the following patents:

• 1325508 (GB)
[005] The above patent uses a piston cylinder arrangement for making a line of cut. The mentioned fixture arrangement can make only straight line cuts and not circular cuts. Hence, it is different from the cutting fixture under consideration.

• CN203697155U (CN)
[006] The above patent uses a rack arrangement for gas torch movement. The mentioned fixture arrangement can make only straight line cuts and not circular cuts. Hence, it is different from the cutting fixture under consideration.

• CN204430404U (CN)
[007] The above patent uses a cross beam slide arrangement for cutting movement. The mentioned fixture arrangement can make only straight line cuts and not circular cuts. Hence, it is different from the cutting fixture under consideration.

[008] None of the aforesaid known arts can fulfil the requirements of the invention, for which it is designed. Hence, the present invention has been introduced.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[009] It is therefore an object of present invention to propose a fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame, which obviates shortcomings of the prior art(s).

[0010] Another object of present invention is to propose a fixture for smooth and easy cutting operation in pipes and plates with good finish and circularity.

[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to propose a fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame, which is simple in construction and works efficiently.

[0012] 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 OF THE INVENTION:
[0013] 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.

[0014] Accordingly, a fixture is designed for gas flame cutting of pipes and plates. The fixture arrangement acts as a guide for circular movement of the flame torch during the cutting process. A pivot pointer is designed in the new arrangement for pivoting the fixture for smooth rotation in circular shape. The gas cutting torch assembly can be mounted on the fixture using main clamp of the fixture. The nozzle end of the torch assembly can be clamped using the nozzle clamp of the fixture. The pointer position can be varied based on the cutting diameter by adjusting the position of pointer clamp. After fastening all the clamps, Acetylene connection and Oxygen connection can be given to the torch assembly. After adjustment of pressure, gas flame cutting can be started. The entire torch assembly attached to the fixture can be pivoted on the pointer and gas flame cutting can be performed.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
[0018] 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:-

Figure 1 shows: the constructional features of the fixture with torch assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows: arrangement of the fixture in accordance with the invention.

[0019] 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 OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

[0020] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have 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 alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] The instant invention makes a disclosure regarding a technology pertaining to a fixture for cutting large diameter openings in plates and pipes using gas flame.

[0022] Now, reference may be made to Figure 1 illustrating the fixture with torch assembly and Figure 2 indicating the fixture itself. The main parts of the fixture are main rod (4), main clamp (1) at intermediate point of the rod, nozzle clamp (2) at the farther end of the rod and pointer clamp (6) near anterior end of the rod.

[0023] The torch assembly can be attached to the fixture (Figure 2) using the main clamp (1). Torch nozzle (5) of the torch assembly is fixed to the fixture using said nozzle clamp (2) of the fixture. The pointer can be adjusted based on the size requirement of the opening and can be fixed using the pointer clamp (6). The clamps (1, 2, 6) are provided with locking screws (3) for fixing the same firmly to the main rod (4). Top plate (8) is clamped with the help of the main clamp (1).

[0024] Thus, the main rod (4) acts as the main frame of the fixture, main clamp (1) is provided for fixing the torch assembly, nozzle clamp (2) for fixing the torch nozzle (5), pointer clamp (6) for fixing the pointer and lock screws (3) for locking the clamps (1, 2, 6).

[0025] There are two independent tubes in the torch assembly, namely Oxygen tube [7] and Gas tube [13]. Both the tubes [7 & 13] join at the gas nozzle [5] and the Gas- Oxygen mixing takes place inside the nozzle [5]. On the tubes, flash back arresters [9 & 10] are provided to avoid any back fire. Also control valves [11 & 12] are provided for the tubes [7 & 13] so as to regulate the Oxygen and Gas flow respectively. The top plate (8) is provided in order to support flash back arresters [9 & 10] of the torch assembly as in Figure 1.

[0026] The Fixture can be made of material including Mild steel and the Torch assembly can be made of material including Brass without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within purview of the invention.

Advantageous features of the invention:
• The fixture helps to cut circular plates/ openings in pipe in a faster way as the articulation is easier in the new fixture, which aids in fuel savings due to reduced cutting time.
• The fixture aids in smooth circular cutting which cannot be achieved by manual cutting. Further grinding is required for smoothening the edge in case of old method. Thus, the present invention results in Productivity improvement.
• The fixture can be adjusted to any diameter of cut depending on the requirement. Separate fixture arrangement is not required.

Working of the invention:
[0027] During circular cutting, the torch assembly fixed on the fixture can be placed on the plate or pipe pivoting at the centre. The centre point can be marked/punched and the pointer can be placed in the punch. Cutting can be done by pivoting the entire assembly on the pointer and can be rotated smoothly in perfect circle.
[0028] The fixture is being successfully used in PPPU Thirumayam for various cutting applications like Large size flange cutting for Hydro test facility, pipe end cover cutting, drum cover cutting, other structural member cutting etc.

Test Result indicating better performance of the invention over prior art:
• The finish is smooth and perfect compared to manual cutting.
• Productivity is more compared to manual cutting, i.e., cutting time is less.
• The diameter of cutting can be easily varied, so the fixture setting time is less between two different diameter cuts.
• Existing arrangements (prior art) are available only for straight cutting with rack arrangement. Circular cuts cannot be made using prior technology, whereas the same can be achieved by the present invention.

Reference Numerals
1 Main Clamp
2 Nozzle Clamp
3 Lock Screw
4 Main Rod
5 Nozzle
6 Pointer Clamp
7 Oxygen Tube
8 Top Plate
9 Oxygen Flash Back Arrester
10 Acetylene Flash Back Arrester
11 Oxygen Control Valve
12 Acetylene Control Valve
13 Acetylene Tube
[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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”.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.