James A Macintosh

US Patent:

41901860, Feb 26, 1980

Filed:

Sep 15, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/942542

Inventors:

Leonard J. Flowers - Oakmont PA
Melvin R. Fahnestock - Parkersburg WV
James L. MacIntosh - Richmond IN

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B23K 3106

US Classification:

228 151

Abstract:

Apparatus for preparing two tubes to be welded together at their ends and for placing the ends in opposed, abutting relationship for welding. The apparatus includes means for annealing a portion or length of each tube, and means for stretching the portion or length of each tube for straightening purposes after it is annealed. In addition, the apparatus includes means for severing an end portion of the annealed length of each tube to provide two annealed tube ends for abutting and welding together. Further, the apparatus includes means for forcing the abutting ends of the tubes together in a manner that will upset the material of the tube ends during welding.