Inventors:
James A. Angel - Antioch CA
Gilbert G. Hagar - Brentwood CA
Michael H. Clement - Antioch CA
Assignee:
Kwik Snap Corporation - Pittsburgh CA
International Classification:
B26F 300
Abstract:
A pipe severing device (1) and method utilizing a chain (13) having stress inducing wheels (19) efficiently and safely severs brittle materials including cast iron, vitreous clay, cement and asbestos pipe. The device includes an actuating handle (6) which pivots over a pipe support surface (3). Upon pivoting over the surface, holddown arms (7) attached to the actuating handle frictionally grasp a pipe. The handle may then pivot about a second point or remain rigid, in either case engaging a first limit switch (25) which actuates a hydraulic cylinder (35). The hydraulic cylinder tightens the chain causing the stress inducing wheels to create stress concentration points around the circumference of the pipe. Cracks propagate between stress concentration points, quickly severing the pipe. The pipe support surface includes resilient pads (5a,b) which further frictionally grasp the pipe.