Feb. 21, 1933. F. E.

JINNETT 898,964
PIPE CLEANING MACHINE
Filed May 14, 1930
?x?
64

?
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ???? ?????????? ?? ?-?? ?? ??? ??
Feb. 21, 1933. F. E. JIN NET" 898,964
PIPE CLEANING MACHINE
Filed May 14, 1930 '4 Sheets-Sheet 2
Feb. 2, 1933, F. E. JINNET 898,964
PIPE CLEANING MACHINE
Filed May 14, l930 4. Sheets-Sheet 3
|*eb. 2A, 933. F. E. UNNETT A898,964
PIPE CLEANING MACHINE
Filed May 14, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4
 Patented Feb. 21, 1933 1,838.$64?
y'VVV9 :;

UNITED STATES PATENT office

FRANC's E. J.INNETT, OF VENTURA, CALIFoRNIA
PIPE CEANNG MACHINE
Application filed May 14, 1930. Serial No. 452,274,
This invention relates to pipe-cleaning operated at a minimum cost, and yet which
machines, and has for an object the provi- is capable of operating with a high degree of .
sion of a machine. bv, means of which clean- efficiency and with relative rapidity in cleani.
ing may be effected of pipes or similar sob-ing the exterior surface of such articles as . . . .
5 jects, either in relatively short lengths or pipes, rods, and the like. . 55 :
made up
pipe. . .
into -
a continuous
?
relatively long. Another object is to so construct the
ing head that it may be employed to effi
clean- ;
Another object is the provision of a pipe-sciently cleans welded pipe, as well as the
cleaning device having a suitable prime. Seamless variety, in this manner overcoming.
mover associated there with by means of one of the disadvantages of prior pipe 60
which the pipe cleaner, is actuated instead, cleaning machines, the normal operation of .
of being manually driven. - which is interfered with by the presence of
A further object is the provision of a the rib or bead which extends from end to
pipe-cleaning device which is carried upon end of each length of welded pipe.
a suitable, wheeled frame, the wheels of: The invention possesses other objects and 65
which are adapted to roll upon the surface... advantageous features, some of which, with
of the pipe being cleaned, and at least one those: enumerated, will be set forth in the
of which is connected to the prime mover, following description of the invention's par
so that the machine may be advanced along ticular embodiment which is illustrated in
20 the pipe or other article being cleaned by the drawings accompanying and forming a 0
power derived therefrom. part of the specification. .
A still further object is the provision of a Referring to the drawings:
pipe-cleaning machine which is capable of . Figure 1 is a top plan view of a pipe
cleaning a continuous elongated pipe while cleaning machine embodying the principies.
'that pipe is disposed within a trench, i.e., of the present invention. 75
without the necessity of removing a buried. Fig. 2 is a side: elevation, the direction of .
pipe from its trench, or disturbing it in any view being indicated by the arrow 2 of .
manner other... than by the removal of the Fig.1. -
earth or other material; within which the Fig. 3 is a front end elevation, the direc
pipe may be embedded. tion of view being indicated by the arrows 80
A more detailed object is the provision 3 of Figs. 1 and 2. Portions of the figure. .
of a pipe-cleaning machine of the general are broken away and shown in section.
character described, in , which the cleaning ... Fig. 4 is a rear end elevation, the direction.
element is in the form of an annular: head. of view being indicated by the arrow 4 of .
adapted to encircle the pipe to be: cleaned,. Fig. 1. 85.
and which is so coupled to the prime mover. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view taken. .
carried by the frame of the machine, that sectionally through one side of the cutter
reciprocatory, rotary motion of the head is head and one of the cutting tools thereof... .
effected about the pipe or other article be-, The plane of section may be assumed to have
40 ing cleaned, so as to cause each of a plu-been taken upon the line 5-5 of Fig. 3, with '
rality of scraping tools with which the head the direction of view as indicated. . .
is provided, to be moved in scraping engage- In terms of broad inclusion, the pipe- :
ment with the pipe, thereby removing ac- cleaning machine of the present invention
45 cumulated dirt, scale, rust, and paint, so as comprises a framework having supporting. 95
to prepare the exterior surface of the pipe wheels associated therewith, adapted to rest
for the application of a fresh coat of paint. upon the top of a substantially horizontally
A still further object is the provision of a extending pipe, whereby the entire machine
pipe-cleaning machine of this general char-, is supported upon the pipe and may advance
5) acter, which is of a relatively simple nature, therealong. The frame carries a prime 00:
and hence, which may be manufactured and mover which preferably is coupled to at
 1,898,964
least one of the supporting wheels, so that sprocket 41 is connected to a driving sprocket
the energy necessary to advance the ma 44, which is rigid with the portion 28 of the
chine, may be derived from the prime shaft 23, by means of a drive chain 46, so
mover. The machine is equipped with a that when the clutch mechanism 29 is en
cutter head adapted to encircle the pipe to gaged and the motor 16 is in operation, the 70
be cleaned, and is so coupled to the prime countershaft 39 and the driving sprockets
mover that it is moved in reciprocatory, 42 and 43, are rotated.
rotary motion about the axis of the pipe Axially aligned bearings 51, 52, and 53
O being cleaned, with the result that the cut are mounted upon the ends of the transverse
? or scraping tools carried by the head members 9, 11, and 12 "?????? at One
and pressed into engagement with the pipe, side of the frame 6, whereas similarly
are caused to move in such a manner that aligned
accumulated scale, rust, dirt, paint and the upon thebearings 56, 57, and 58, are mounted
like, are effectually removed. Preferabl members. Withinendsopposite of these transverse
5
the cutter head is followed by a brush E. aligned bearings, shafts 59two these
and
groups of 80
61 respec
is also so coupled to the prime mover, that tively, are journalled. the former carrying
the surface of the pipe which has previously driven sprocket 62 which is interconnecteda
been scraped, is thoroughly brushed so as with the driving sprocket 42 by a chain 63,
to more efficiently cleanse the exterior sur and the latter carrying a driven sprocket
face of the pipe, and prepare it for the sub 64 which
uent application of a fresh coat of paint. sprocket 43isbyconn with the driving 85
*; describing that embodiment Front and rear axle shaftschain means of a
67
66.
and 68, are
of the invention which at present appears journalled in axially aligned bearings 69
to be the most practical, my pipe-cleaning and axially aligned bearings 71 respective
machine comprises a frame indicated in its ly. Each of these axle E. carries a pair
entirety at 6, and comprising longitudinall of
extending members 7 and 8 held in ? arespaced wheels 72, the peripheries of which
preferably parallel relative arrangement by 72 is tapered soconfiguration,
of conical
that the
i.e., each wheel
entire machine may
means of a plurality of transversely ex
30 tending members 9, 11, and 12. A pair of be supported upon the pipe 73 which is being
auxiliary, transverse members 13 and 14, along ?? and advanced longitudinally there 95
serve as a support for a prime mover such as which withare
those
in
portions
rolling
of the wheels
engagement with
72
the
an internal combustion engine 16 of conven pipe 73, substantially conforming to the con
tional design. The shaft 17 of the engine
35
16, is provided with a flywheel 18 and with figuration
Figs. 3 and
thereof, as best illustrated upon 00
4. Preferably, meams are pro
a sprocket wheel 19 carrying a drive chain vided for applying
21 which is also enmeshed with a driven the axle # say torque to at least one of
sprocket wheel 22 carried by a shaft 23 jour to effect advance of the entire shaft
the axle
machine
68, so as
along
40
nalled in bearings 24 and 26 which are rig the pipe 73 by power derived from the motor.
idly mounted upon the side member 8 of
the frame 6. Preferably the shaft 23 is in a16.bevelThis maybe accomplished by means of 05
two axially aligned parts 27 and 28 adapted enmeshedgear with
74 rigid with the shaft 59 and
a bevel gear 76 which is car
to be optionally engaged or disengaged ried by a stub shaft 77 journalled in a ver
through the expedient of a conventional tically arranged bearing
45
chuteh mechanism 29 which, inasmuch as its end of the shaft 77, a disc78.79 To is
the lower O
rigidly se
details of construction have no bearing upon cured, this disc being provided with a crank
the present invention, will not be described pin 81 upon which one end of a connecting
in detail herein other than to point out that rod 82 is journalled. A ratchet wheel 83
it is capable of being öfald by means of is made
a manually movable lever 31 pivoted in a arm 84 fast to the axle shaft 68; and a crank 5
bracket 32 which also is carried by the side about the axis of the for
is mounted rotary movement
shaft 68 adjacent the
member 8, and that the lever 31 is provided
with dogs 33 loosely disposed within an an ratchet wheel 83. This crank arm 84 car
nular groove 34 in the movable portion 36 of ries a pawl 86 adapted to engage the teeth
of the ratchet wheel 83 so as to effect rotary
the clutch mechanism 29. Hence, by mov
ing the hand lever 31 in one direction, the motion of the shaft 68 when the crank arm 20
84 is turned in one direction about the axis
cluteh mechanism 29 may be disengaged, and of that shaft, but to permit return motion
by moving it in the other direction, it may of the crank arm 84 without having any ef
60 be engaged to effect connection between the fect upon the rotation of the shaft 68. As
portions 27 and 28 of the shaft 23.
Bearings 37 and 38 carried by the trans will readily be understood, rotation of the 125

verse members 11 and 12 respectively, rotat necting will

disc 79
rod
efect reciprocation of the con
82, thereby causing the crank
ably support a countershaft 39 upon which arm.84 to move backwards and forwards in
65 is mounted a driven sprocket 41 and two rotary motion; with the result that the pawl
driving sprockets 42 and 43. The driven 86 will periodically engage a tooth of the 30
 1,898,964 3.
ratchet wheel 83, and turn the axle shaft 68. configuration, preferably rectangular; and .
and the wheels 72 associated therewith, caus the scrapers 10 are complementarily formed
ing the entire machine to advance. When so that they can not rotate within their re
the disc · 79. has completed one-half a revo spective sockets 103. However, they are 0.
lution, the crank arm 84 will be returned to fitted Stafficiently loosely within the sockets
starting position, permitting the pawl 86 to 103, to permit them to slide radially with
drop past another tooth of the ratchet wheel respect to the cutter head 91. Each cutting
83 upon completion of a full revolution of tool. 107 is provided with an extension 108
the disc 79, so that the next half revolution which passes loosely through an aperture 5.
O will again cause advance of the machine. 109 in the upper end of the associated socket
That portion of the machine which effects 103; and a pin 111 is rigidly Secured adja
scraping of the outside surface of the pipe cent, the extreme end of the extension 108
73, is a cutter head indicated in its entirety of each tool 107, so as to limit the inward
at 91. This head 91 comprises a plurality, motion of that tool, it being understood that
5 preferably a pair of arcuate sections 92 and a coil spring 112 is under compression be-, 80
93, at each end of each of which a radially tween the outer end of the socket 103 and
extending flange 94 is provided, whereby the a shoulder 113 on the tool 10, so that the
sections 92 and 93 may be rigidly but re tool is continually urged radially inwards
leasably coupled together by means of bolts to press the cutting edge 114 thereof against
20 96 and nuts, 97, thus forming an annular the outer surface of the pipe 73. As best
head slightly larger than the pipe 73 to be shown upon Fig. 3, alternate cutting tools
cleaned. It is my intention that a different 107 are fitfiung????? with their cutting edges
size of head 91 be provided for each diam 114 facing in opposite directions so that one
eter of pipe 73 to be cleaned. tool 107 operates while the head is moved in
As best shown upon Fig. 5, each section one direction, and the next tool operates 90.
92, 93 of the head 91, is channel-shaped in upon movement of the head in the opposite
cross-sectional configuration, being composed direction. -
of a semi-circular web 98 and opposed edge The means for producing reciprocatory,
flanges 99. This construction is employed rotary motion of the head 91 with respect
30 so as to impart the greatest possible strength to the pipe 73 which it encircles, is in the
to the entire structure. The fact that the form of discs 116 and 117 rigidly mounted
head 91 is composed of a plurality of releas upon the forward ends of the shafts 59 and
ably joined sections, permits mounting the 61 respectively. Each disc carries a crank
machine to commence operation thereof at pin 118, 119 arranged eccentrically there
35. any point in a line of piping, without the upon; and connecting rods 121 and 122 are 00
necessity of slipping the head 91 over an journalied at their upper ends upon the
end thereof. w crank pins 118, 119 respectively. The lower
Pe'erably from each face of the head 91, ends of the connecting rods 121, 122, are
a plurality of pins 101 extend; and a roller connected with opposite sides of the cutter
40 102 is journalled upon each of the pins 101. head 91; and the eccentric discs 116, 117 are
The radius of each roller 102 is substantial so arranged with respect to each other, that
the connecting rod 121 starts moving down
ly equal to the difference between the out wards at the instant that the other connect
side radius of the pipe 73 and the radius
measured from the center of the annular ing rod 122 starts moving upwards, so that O
head 91 to the circle which passes through by their combined action, reciprocatory ro
the centers of all the pins 101; with the tary motion of the head 91 is effected when
result, that when the head 91 is assembled the countershaft 39 is rotated.
about the pipe 73, all the rollers 102 will be The means for connecting each of the con
in tangential rolling engagement with the necting rods 121, 122 to the cutter head 91, 5
50 pipe, the effect being to retain the head 91 comprises an extension 126 of one of the
coaxially upon the pipe 73, but to permit associated flanges 94. This extension is bi
rotary motion of the head 91 with respect furcated, forning two fingers 127 and 128
thereto. (see Fig. 2) upon each of which a block 129,
The head 9 is provided with a plurality 131 is rigidly arranged. A cross-head block 20
55 of sockets 103 at spaced intervals through 133 is disposed between the blocks 129 and
out the entire periphery of the head. Where 131, and carries pins 134 and 136 which
as these sockets may be arranged according are journalled within suitable apertures in
to any desired plan, I prefer to distribute the blocks 129 and 131 respectively. The
them not only about the periphery of the lowei, ead of each of the connecting rods 121
60 head, but also at different points between the and 122, extends through an ellarged aper 25
front, and rear faces 104 and 106 respective titre 137 in the associated cross-head block
ly, of the head, as best shown upon Figs. 1 133. A compression spring 138 is interposed
and 2. Within each of the sockets 103, a between a pin 139 carried by the connecting
scraper or cutting tool 107 is mounted. Each rod, and the top of the cross-head block 183:
65. socket 103 is non-circular in cross-sectional and another compression Spring 141 is inter 30
 4. 1,898,964
posed between the bottom of the cross-head
block 133 and a nut and washer 142 and 143
to accommodate the particular size of pipe
respectively, at the extreme lower end of being cleaned, position
in operative are then selected and mounted
? disengaging the
the connecting rod. Hence, the force whichflanges thereof, placing them in position en 70
is applied to the cutter head 91 to effect rota:
circling the pipe 73, and then securely
tion thereof, is exerted by the springs 138 clamping them together, as will readily be
and 141. Furthermore, a certain amount of understood. The connecting rods 121 and
vertical movement of the cutter head 91 with 122 should then be connected to the cutter
respect to the frame 6 of the machine, i?
O
permitted thus compensating for an slight head 91, and the connecting rods 166 and
167 connected to the brush frame 153.
irregularities upon the surface of the pipe The motor 16 should then be started in
73 with which the wheels 72 might come in
contact. Without the provision of such con operation, and the clutch mechanism 29 ef
gaged by proper manipulation of the oper
pensating means, the engagement of one or
5 more of the wheels 72 with such irregulari ating lever 3i. This will effect rotary re 80
ciprocation of the cutter head 91 and of the
ties, might cause breakage of one or more brush 146 because of their interconnection
of the cutting tools 107. with the shafts 59 and 61. The rotary re
The machine is also provided with an an ciprocation of the cutter head 91 will cause
20
nular brush indicated in its entirety at 146. the cutting tools 107 to move back and forth 85
The framework for this brush, is construct in arcuate paths, pressing their cutting
ed similarly to the annular cutting head 91, edges 114 against the outside surface of the
in that it is composed of a plurality of arcu pipe 73, thereby effectually removing all en
ate sections 147 and 148, releasably but rig crusted dirt, rust, scale, blistered paint and
idly secured in annular arrangement by
25 means of bolts 149 passing through radially the like. The material that is removed in
extending flanges 151 and 152. This annu this manner, from the exterior surface of 90
lar framework which is indicated in its en the pipe, falls out of either the forward or
tirety at 153, is also provided with rollers after faces 104, 106 respectively, of the cut
154 journalled upon pins 156, to retain the ter head, or through holes 181 which are
30 framework 153 coaxially with respect to the formed at the bottom of the lower semi-cir 93
cular portion 93.
ipe 73. A plurality of arcuately-shaped As previously explained, the machine will
f???h?? 157, are mounted upon the interior be slowly advanced in successive steps be
surface of the framework 153, these brushes
having preferably relatively heavy wire cause of the reciprocation of the crank arm
84 carrying the pawl 86 which engages the
bristles 158 of such length that they come OO
into scrubbing engagement with the exte 91atchet will
wheel 83. Hence, the cutter head
be continually moved along the pipe
rior surface of the pipe 73. The framework to bring fresh portions thereof, into proper
153 for the brushes 157, is also reciprocated relationship with the head 91 to be cleansed
40
in rotary motion, through the expedient of by the scrapers 107. This forward motion 105
discs 161 and 162 carried by the after ends of the entire machine, will cause the brush
of the shafts 59 and 61 respectively, these 146 to travel over the same portions of the
discs having crank pins 163 and 164 respec pipe which have previously been scraped;
tively, connected to the annular frame 153 with the result that it serves to increase the
45 by connecting rods 166 and 167, each of efficiency of the cleansing operation.
which is connected to the annular frame 153 Owing to the fact that the head 91 moves ll0
through the expedient of springs 168 and in reciprocatory motion instead of rotating
169 bearing against the upper and lower in a single direction, my pipe-cleaning ma
surfaces
turn of a cross-head
is pivotally blockby171,
connected pinswhich
172 in
to
chine affords unusual convenience in clean
ing welded pipe. Tubing of this class has 5
blocks 173 carried by an extension 174 of a seam extending from end to end of each
one of the flanges 151, this structure being length, and a bead of welded metal cover
substantially the same as that previously ing the seam, this bead protruding from the
described in connection with the manner of exterior surface of the pipe. Hence, the
55
engagement of the connecting rods 121 and bead interferes with the cutting or scraping
122 with the cutter head 91. tools of a cleaning machine wherein the 120
Operation, cleaning head or analogous part rotates con
The pipe-cleaning machine of my inven tinuously about the pipe. However, in my
tion is placed in operative position upon the machine, the parts may be so proportioned
and arranged, one or more of the cuttin2 125
pipe 73 to be cleaned, with the wheels 72 tools 107 being omitted if need be, that the
resting upon the upper portion of the out outside surface of the pipe is effectively
side circumference of the pipe, it being scraped up to the bead on both sides there
understood that in the event the pipe is of, but none of the tools 107 is required to
65 huried, it first must be uncovered. A cutter pass over the bead.
head 91 and a brush 146 of suitable diameter It is to be understood that the details of 30
 1,898,964
the invention as herein disclosed, are sub
ject to alteration within the spirit or scope
of the appended claims.
I claim:
1. In a pipe-cleaning inachine, a frame,
rollers journalled thereon in position to sup
port said frame upon the pipe to be cleaned,
a motor carried by said fanne, a cutter head,
scraping means carried by said head and en
gaging Said pipe, a shaft journailed on said
frame and coupled to said motor to be ro
tated thereby, a crank pin rigid with said
shaft, a connecting rod journalled on said
5 pin, and resilient means coupling Said rod
to said head whereby rotation of said shaft
effects reciprocatory rotary motion of said
head about said pipe.
2. In a pipe-cleaning machine, a frame, a
cutter head, scraping means carried by said
head and engaging said pipe, a shaft jour
malled on said frame, means for rotating said
shaft, a crank pin rigid with said shaft, a
connecting rod journalled on said pin, a
25 flange extending rigidly from said
extendinº riigi said head, aa
cross-head having pins journalied in said
??? ??? and resilient means couping Said said frame.
flange,
connecting rod to said cross-head whereby
rotation of said shaft effects reciprocatory
30 rotary motion of said head about said pipe.
3. In a pipe-cleaning machine, a frame
rollers journalled thereon in position to sup
port said frame upon the pipe to be cleaned,
a motor carried by said frame, a cutter head,
35 scraping means carried by Said head and en
gaging said pipe, a shaft journailed on said
frame and coupled to said motor to be ro
tated thereby, a crank pin rigid with said
shaft, a connecting rod journalled on said
40 pin, a flange extending rigidly from said
head, a cross-head having pins journalled in
said flange and having a hole therethrough,
said connecting rod extending slidably
through said hole, and spring means inter
45 posed between said rod and said cross-head.
4. In a pipe-cleaning machine, a fiane,
rollers journalled thereon in position to slip
port said frame upon the pipe to be cleaned,
a motor carried by said frame, a cutter head,
scraping means carried by said head and en
gaging said pipe, a shaft journalied on Said,
frame and coupled to said motor to be ro
tated thereby, a crank pin rigid with said
shaft, a connecting rod journalled om Said
55 pin, a flange extending rigidly from said
head, a cross-head having pins journalled in
said flange and having a hole therethrough,
said connecting rod extending slidably
60
through said hole, spring means interposed
between said rod and said cross-head, and
means for retaining said head in coaxial re
lationship with said pipe.
5. In a pipe-cleaning machine, a frame,
rollers journalled thereon ilin position to sup
port said frame upon the pipe to be cleaned,
5
a motor carried by said frame, a cutter head,
scraping means carried by said head and
engaging said pipe, a shaft journailed on
said frame and coupled to said motor to be
rotated thereby, a crank pin rigid with said 70
shaft, a connecting rod journalled on said
pin, a flange extending rigidly from said
head, a cross-head having pins journalled in
said flange and having a hole therethrough,
said connecting rod extending slidably.
through said hole, spring means interposed
between said rod and said cross-head, and a
plurality of rollers journalled on said head
and tangentially engaging said pipe at
spaced intervals about the circumference
thereof.
6. in a pipe cleaning machine, a frame,
means for supporting said frame upon a pipe
to be cleaned, a cutter head, means carried
by said cutter head and engaging said pipe
to effect cieaning thereof, a motor carried by
said frame, means coupling said motor to
said head for moving the latter, and yield
able means interposed between said coupling
means to permit play between said head and '
7. in a pipe cleaning machine, a frame,
means for supporting said frame upon a
pipe to be cleaned, a cutter head, means 95
carried by Said cutter head and engaging
said pipe to effect cleaning thereof, means
for retaining Said head in coaxial relation
ship with said pipe, a motor carried by said
frame, means coupling said motor to said OO
head for moving the latter, and yieldable
means interposed between said coupling
means to permit play between said head and
said frame.
8. in a pipe cleaning machine, a frame, 05
means for Supporting said frame upon a
pipe to be cleaned, a cutter head, means car
ried by said cutter head and engaging said
pipe to effect cleaning thereof, a plurality of
rollei's journalled on said head and engaging IO
Said pipe to hold the head in coaxial rela
tionship with the pipe, a motor carried by
said frame, means coupling said motor to
said head for moving the latter, and yield
able means interposed between said coup 5
ling means to permit play between said head
and said frame.
9. In a pipe cleaning machine, a frame,
means for supporting said frame upon a pipe
to be cleaned, a cutter head, means connect
20
ing said cutter head to said frame, and re
silient means interposed in said connecting
means to permit play between said frame
andi said head.
10. In a pipe cleaning machine, a cutter 125
head adapted to encircle a pipe to be cleaned,
a plurality of scrapers extending inwards
from said head to engage said pipe, and
means for Oscillating said head in rotary mo
jion about the axis of Said pipe, said scrap 30
er's facing in opposite directions, whereby
 3 1898,964
certain of said scrapers operate when the
head moves in one direction and the other
scrapers operate when the head moves in
the opposite direction.
In testimony whereof I have signed my
name to this specification.
FRANCIS E. JINNETT.
O