Importance

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Abstract

An automatic feed system for a tube cutter is disclosed which automatically feeds a cutting tool into a tube and also automatically resets the cutting tool to its initial position once the tube has been cut. The automatic feed system has a cam element rotatably mounted in a cutting head defining a cam surface eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the cam element. A cam follower is formed on a cutting arm which is pivotally attached to the cutting head and has a cutting wheel attached thereto. The eccentric cam surface includes a substantially flat surface portion which lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the cam element which, when contacted by the cam follower, allows the pivot arm to assume an initial, retracted position. As the cam element rotates, the eccentric cam surface and the cam follower urge the cutting wheel into the tube wall. After the cam element has completed one rotation, the cam follower once again contacts the flat surface portion, thereby automatically retracting the cutting arm and the cutter wheel. The cam element is driven by a worm gear attached thereto, which engages a worm. A star wheel is operatively connected to the worm to impart rotational motion to the worm gear.

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First Claim