The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 09, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 13, 1995
David J Fink, Greentree, PA (US);
James W Everett, Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, PA (US);
Annette M Costlow, Trafford, PA (US);
James J Roberts, Irwin, PA (US);
Paul J Boone, Bethel Park, PA (US);
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
A method of removing a metal plug from a conduit includes the steps of simultaneously applying a static pull force and repetitive impulses to the plug. The method is particularly suited to removing a plug from a heat exchanger tube in a nuclear powered steam generator. A tool for practicing the method on such plugs includes a first hydraulic actuator for first moving an expansion member out of engagement with an interior plug wall, a second hydraulic actuator capable of attachment to the plug for applying a static pull force to the plug, and an arrangement connecting an air impact tool to the second hydraulic actuator for applying, simultaneously with the static force, high-frequency impulses to the plug entirely through solid members.