PIPE PROCESSING TOOL WITH PIPE DEFORMATION MEMBERS

摘要

A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

主权项

1. A pipe processing tool, comprising:
a first deformation ring that has a closed configuration and an open configuration, in the closed configuration the first deformation ring forms a circle that can encircle a first pipe and in the open configuration the first deformation ring can be installed around or removed from the first pipe; a first plurality of pipe deformation members disposed on, and circumferentially spaced from one another about, an inner circumference of the first deformation ring, each of the pipe deformation members faces radially inward toward a center of the first deformation ring when the first deformation ring is in the closed configuration; each of the pipe deformation members is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the first deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the first pipe; and each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members.