Tool setting apparatus for use in reconditioning of articulated connector Number:7,171,758 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

Title: Tool setting apparatus for use in reconditioning of articulated connector

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the extension of a cutting tool from a boring bar used to semi-automatically recondition an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car. The apparatus is a generally c-shaped base member with generally parallel ends. At least one of the ends preferably has a plurality of stepped shoulders on an inner portion of that end. The shoulders vary in dimension but are preferably configured to bear against a cutting tool used during reconditioning of the connector.

Patent Number: 7,171,758 Issued on 02/06/2007 to Brueckert,   et al.

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Inventors:	Brueckert; Richard A. (Chicago, IL), Guess; William A. (Omaha, NE), Kroesch; Donald F. (Minooka, IL)
Assignee:	TIX Company (Chicago, IL)
Appl. No.:	11/085,417
Filed:	March 21, 2005

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Related U.S. Patent Documents

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	Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
	10170892	Jun., 2002	6944925
	60298162	Jun., 2001

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Current U.S. Class:	33/501.45 ; 33/637; 33/641
Current International Class:	G11B 3/30 (20060101); B27G 23/00 (20060101)
Field of Search:	33/501,501.08,501.09,501.45,562,567,567.1,645,628,630,633,634,635,636,637,641 408/116 29/407.09

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References Cited [Referenced By]

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U.S. Patent Documents

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	602778		April 1898		Shimer
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	1346224		July 1920		McCormick
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	3894340		July 1975		Ellis, Jr.
	3903609		September 1975		Brown
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	4150488		April 1979		Behnke
	4187600		February 1980		Yeates et al.
	4249664		February 1981		Murphy
	4330076		May 1982		Lollis et al.
	4343407		August 1982		Murphy
	4448340		May 1984		Lollis et al.
	4519142		May 1985		Parker
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	5148609		September 1992		Green
	6044571		April 2000		Strait

Primary Examiner: Smith; R. Alexander
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

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Parent Case Text

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RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division of and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.121 of Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 10/170,892, filed Jun. 13, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,944,925, both of which applications claim priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/298,162, filed Jun. 13, 2001.

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Claims

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The invention claimed is:

1. An apparatus for measuring the extension of a cutting tool from a boring bar comprising: a base member having a vertical wall; said base member having a pair of generally parallel end members extending from said vertical wall and forming a C-shape; and at least one of said end members including a plurality of vertically stepped shoulders defined on an inner portion of said at least one end member, each of said vertically stepped shoulders being arranged along the distal end of said at least one end member, said vertically stepped shoulders configured to bear against a cutting tool extending radially from a boring bar.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said end member opposite said vertically stepped shoulders is configured to bear against said boring bar.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said vertically stepped shoulders are at a 90 degree angle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein there are at least two vertically stepped shoulders.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein there are at least three vertically stepped shoulders.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of said vertically stepped shoulders is configured to correspond to a different radial distance from the center of a bore of a female casting.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said end member including said plurality of vertically stepped shoulders further comprises a section configured to bear against said boring bar.

8. An apparatus for measuring the extension of a cutting tool from a boring bar comprising: a base member having first, second and third sections configured in a C-shape; said first and third sections being generally parallel and connected by said second section; and said third section having an extension guide comprising a plurality of vertically stepped shoulders, each of said vertically stepped shoulders being arranged along the distal end of said third section.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said first section is configured to bear against a boring bar.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a portion of said third section is configured to bear against said boring bar.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of said vertically stepped shoulders is configured to correspond to a different radial distance from the center of a bore of a female casting.

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Description

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-unit railroad cars are typically interconnected using couplings, such as articulated connectors, to link one unit to the next. Most often, the connectors include a male casting portion mounted to the end structure of one of the rail car units which is joined to a female casting portion located on the end structure of the adjacent rail car unit. Joining of the male and female portions results in an articulated connection between the rail car units. The most frequently used connectors of this type in the U.S. industry include connectors manufactured by American Steel Foundries, Inc. (ASF) of Granite City, Ill. and Meridian Rail, Inc. (formerly and hereinafter National Castings) of Lombard, Ill.

The cargo portion of a railroad train comprises a plurality of multi-unit rail cars linked in this fashion. As such, the driving locomotive is only acting directly on the car adjacent to it, which is then joined to the next unit, etc. The pulling, or pushing, of the rail car units by the locomotive creates a significant level of stress on each connector as each bears the entire force of the rest of the rail cars. Any contact between the rigid areas of the male and female casting portions results in wear on those contact areas of the connectors.

The stress placed on the connectors results in wearing of the metal at several points of contact between the male and female portions of the connectors, or their respective components, due to impact and frictional contact. As articulated connector castings are an integral part of the car structure and are difficult and expensive components to replace, it is favorable to repair or recondition the connectors as opposed to replacing them or the entire rail car. Connector castings can commonly travel 1,200,000 miles or more without the need for significant maintenance. In the past, reconditioning of most rail car components has involved removing various parts from the rail car and reapplying them back into place after such reconditioning. Some couplers have been reconditioned in this way, especially those removable by design. Articulated connectors, however, are not suited for such removal and repair since they are integral to the car and such repair would be inefficient, time consuming, and expensive.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of reconditioning rail car connectors such that the reconditioning occurs while the castings are still attached to the rail cars. It is a further object of this invention to simplify the measurement of portions of the connectors ensuring that the connectors are reconditioned to the appropriate dimensions, including the use of appropriate gauges. It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a method of reconditioning rail car connectors utilizing gauges to take the measurements of the connectors while still attached to the rail car. It is still another object of this invention to provide a method for reconditioning rail car connectors using a less labor-intensive process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is set forth for measuring the extension of a cutting tool from a boring bar used to semi-automatically recondition an articulated connector while it is still mounted to the end structure of a rail car.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a generally c-shaped base member with generally parallel ends. At least one of the ends preferably has a plurality of stepped shoulders on an inner portion of that end. The shoulders vary in dimension but are preferably configured to bear against a cutting tool used during reconditioning of the connector.

It is to be understood that both the preceding summary and the following detailed description are intended to be exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide a further explanation of the invention claimed. The invention will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that there could be a wide range of changes made to the present invention without departing from its scope. Thus, it is intended that the foregoing be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, which are intended to define the scope of the invention. Provisional Application No. 60/298,162 and Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 10/170,892 disclose related and complementary methods and apparatus and are hereby incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of male and female casting portions of an unassembled ASF type of connector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-section view of an assembled National Castings type of connector;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-section view of an assembled ASF connector;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a drop-in bore gauge;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a drop-in bore gauge;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drop-in bore gauge;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a pivot gauge for ASF male castings;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a pivot gauge for ASF male castings;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pivot gauge for ASF male castings;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an S-shaped gauge for National Castings male castings;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an S-shaped gauge for National Castings male castings;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a drop-in gauge inserted into the top bore of a an ASF female casting;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a drop-in gauge inserted into the bores of an ASF female casting;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a drop-in gauge inserted into the bottom bore of a National Castings female casting;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a drop-in gauge inserted into the bottom bore of a National Castings female casting;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a pivot gauge applied to an ASF male casting;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a pivot gauge applied to a male ASF casting;

FIG. 18 is a top view of an S-shaped gauge applied to a National Castings male casting;

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of an S-shaped gauge applied to a National Castings male casting;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the process for reconditioning a connector casting;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a fixture assembly applied to a female connector casting for use in a semi-automated embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22a is a front view of the fixture for use in a semi-automated embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22b is a top view of the fixture of FIG. 22a for use in a semi-automated embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22c is a side cross-section view of the fixture of FIG. 22a for use in a semi-automated embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22d is a top cross-section view of the fixture applied to ASF female connector casting as shown in of FIG. 22e;

FIG. 22e is a front view of the fixture of FIG. 22a applied to ASF female connector casting;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the semi-automated process;

FIG. 24a is a front view of a centering tool;

FIG. 24b is a bottom view of the centering tool of FIG. 24a;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a boring bar used in the semi-automated process;

FIG. 26 is a cutting tool for use with the semi-automated process;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of an alignment tube for use with the semi-automated process;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a tool setting gauge for use with the semi-automated process;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a bore gauge for use with the semi-automated process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 3 generally, with like numbers representing like structures, the articulated connector castings being reconditioned are attached to the rail car end structure (not shown) and usually include a male casting 10, 210 located on one rail car unit and a female casting 12, 212 located on the following rail car unit such that the male and female castings can interlock joining the rail car units to form a multi-unit rail car. When the female and male castings are brought together, bores in both castings are aligned such that a pin 16, 216 can be inserted, securing the male and female castings and their internal components together and completing the connector. The connectors are articulated such that they can rotate about the pin and have vertical angularity, allowing the rail car units to pivot relative to each other during movement around curved tracks and undulating terrain.

As noted above, there are two dominant articulated connector types used in joining rail car units, namely ASF connectors and National Castings connectors, although other connector types exist which can be similarly accommodated by this invention. The following description of the ASF and National Castings connectors is exemplary of rail car connectors generally. As such, the following description of the invention is tailored to industry standards, but the invention could be modified to accommodate specific connectors used.

ASF Connectors

The ASF connector, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, comprises a male casting 10 and a female casting 12. The female casting 12 is generally U-shaped in cross section to receive the male casting 10. The female casting 12 includes a top portion 18 and a bottom portion 20, which are generally planar and are joined by sidewalls 22 and a generally concave backwall 23. The sidewalls 22, backwall 23, top portion 18 and bottom portion 20 define the generally U-shaped receiving cavity 34 of the female casting. Both the top portion 18 and the bottom portion 20 of the female casting include a cylindrical bore 24 and 26, respectively, which are aligned with one another.

The female casting additionally includes a wedge system located along the concave backwall 23. The wedge system includes a wedge 36 and a follower block 38. The follower block 38 is designed to conform to the spherical contour of the portion of the male casting with which it contacts. The wedge is then placed between the backwall 23 and the follower block 38, holding the follower block 38 in place and providing pressure. The wedge is held in place by gravity and drops as wear occurs within the system to maintain a low longitudinal slack condition, thereby keeping the follower block 38 in constant contact and compression with the male casting 10.

The male casting 10 includes a forward end 28, which is a generally U-shaped projection of generally constant thickness. The male casting 10 has a bore 32 with generally square features at the side nearest the attaching car unit, or posterior surface 70 of the bore 32, and with a U-shaped concave surface nearest the opposite, anterior surface 54 of the bore. The male bore 32 is different in shape than the female bores 24 and 26 as the anterior surface 54 of the male bore 32 is concave and generally spherical in shape and the bore has an overall greater volume than that required for insertion of the pin. As such, a pin bearing block 31 is inserted into the bore 32 and mates with the anterior surface 54 of the bore, as shown in FIG. 3. The shape of the pin bearing block 31 is generally spherical along the end contacting the anterior surface 54 of the bore 32, to compliment the bore, and has a generally vertical concave cylindrical shape along the opposite side to receive the pin 16. When the pin bearing block 31 is placed in the bore 32, the concave cylindrical side of the pin bearing block 31 and the posterior end 70 of the bore 32 define the area to receive the pin as described below.

The forward end 28 of the male casting is generally U-shaped to compliment the interior of the female casting in shape. The forward end 28 includes a contact surface 30 at the far end of the male casting which includes the generally U-shaped area. The contact surface 30 is the portion of the male casting in contact with the follower block 38 when the male casting 10 is inserted into the female casting 12.

Upon assembly, as shown in FIG. 3, the male casting 10, specifically the forward end 28 is inserted into the cavity 34 of the female casting 12. The contact surface 30 of the male casting is positioned against the mirroring interior surface of the follower block 38 of the female casting such that the bore 32 in the male casting is aligned with the bores 24 and 26 of the female casting. When all three bores 24, 26 and 32 are aligned, a cylindrical pin 16 can be inserted through them. The pin 16 is inserted into the bore 24 in the top portion 18 of the female casting and then passes through the bore 32 in the male casting 10, which includes the pin bearing block 31, and then passes further to engage the bore 26 in the bottom portion 20 of the female casting 12. The top of the pin is preferably secured to the top of the female casting.

The wedge system works to eliminate slack from the connector system by applying pressure on the male casting and hence on the bores and pin. Due to the wedge system and the general construction of the castings, significant wear occurs in selective areas. On the female casting, significant wear occurs on the anterior surfaces 103 of the female bores 24 and 26 as the compressive forces from pulling cars pushes the pin 16 against those surfaces. Conversely, the posterior surfaces 102 of the female bores receive negligible wear, as a result of the wedge system not allowing pin stress on this surface. On the male casting, some wear occurs along the spherical anterior surface 54 of the bore 32 as the pin bearing block 31 rides against it. Conversely, the posterior surface 70 of the male bore 32 receives negligible wear under normal operating conditions. While wear occurs on the follower block 38, wedge 36, and pin bearing block 31, these components are generally replaceable and not subject to reconditioning. The male casting also experiences significant wear on the contact surface 30 as a result of contact with the follower block 38 and compressive forces from other rail car units.

National Castings Connectors

The National Castings connector, as shown in FIG. 2 with like numbers referring to like structures, again comprises a male casting 210 and a female casting 212. The female casting 212 is generally round in cross section to receive the generally round male casting 210. The female casting 212 includes a top portion 218 and a bottom portion 220, which are generally planar and joined by a generally rounded continuous sidewall 222. The top portion 218, bottom portion 220, and the continuous sidewall 222 define the receiving cavity 234 of the female casting. Both the top portion 218 and the bottom portion 220 of the female casting include a cylindrical bore 224 and 226, respectively, which are aligned with one another.

The male casting 210 includes a forward end 228, which is a generally round projection of generally constant thickness. The male casting 210 has a bore 232 generally cylindrical in shape. A bushing is inserted into the bore 232 of the male casting to contact and protect the inner surface of the bore from significant wear. The bushing system preferably includes a retaining collar 231 and counterbore feature 233 which hold the bushing in place in the male bore 232. The bushing is also generally cylindrical having a sleeve 235 which is capable of receiving the pin during connection. Further, the bushing is made up of varying layers of hardened steel and rubber capable of absorbing shock and wear.

The forward end 228 of the male casting is generally round to compliment the interior of the female casting in shape. The forward end 228 includes a contact surface 230 at the far end of the male casting which includes the generally rounded area. The contact surface 230 is the portion of the male casting that can come in contact with the continuous sidewall 222 of the female casting.

Upon assembly, the male casting 210, specifically the forward end 228 is inserted into the receiving cavity 234 of the female casting 212. The male casting is positioned in the receiving cavity 234 of the female casting such that the male bore 232 and the sleeve 235 of the bushing system in the male casting are aligned with the bores 224 and 226 of the female casting. When all three bores 224, 226, 232 and the sleeve 235 of the bushing system are aligned a cylindrical pin 216 can be inserted through them. The pin 216 is inserted into the bore 224 in the top portion 218 of the female casting and then passes through the bore 232 and hence sleeve 235 of the bushing system in the male casting 210 and then passes further to engage the bore 226 in the bottom portion 220 of the female casting 212. The top of the pin is preferably secured to the top of the female casting.

Compression and stress on the rubber in the bushing results in greater movement of the male casting as a whole and can allow the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 to contact the continuous sidewall 222 of the female casting. On the female casting, significant wear occurs on the anterior surface 286 of the female bore 226 on the bottom portion 220 of the female casting. Some wear also occurs on the anterior surface of the female bore 224 of the top portion 218 of the female casting, but it is not usually significant since the bore 224 of the top portion 218 is generally larger in diameter. Negligible wear occurs on the posterior sides of either bores 224 and 226 of the top portion and bottom portion of the female casting. Additionally, some wear can occur on the continuous sidewall 222 of the receiving cavity 234 of the female casting, although reconditioning of this wear is generally unnecessary. On the male casting, wear occurs along the contact edge 230 of the male casting 210, as it comes into frictional and impact contact with the rear portion of the sidewall 222 of the female casting 212. As fatigue occurs on the bushing from contact with the pin, the bushing is replaced.

During use of the rail car units so connected, wear can occur as specified above due to friction caused by the pivoting and movement of the rail car units relative to one another. The following is a method for reconditioning and repairing rail cars at these common sites of wear while the connectors are still attached to the rail car. The reconditioning returns the worn parts of the connectors back to their proper dimensions to ensure peak performance upon re-connection of the rail car units.

Reconditioning of the ASF Articulated Connector

The commonly worn areas of both the female and male castings should be prepared so that an accurate measurement can be taken to determine if reconditioning is required. Such preparation includes cleaning the surfaces of rust, dirt, grit, grease, lubrication residue, or the like. Substances such as grease, grime and lubricants can be scraped from the surfaces. Remaining contaminants can be burned off with a torch or ground away. Metal upsets on the surfaces to be reconditioned should be carefully machined smooth to prevent cold laps during later welding. The female and male castings of the connectors are then measured to determine if reconditioning is required.

Male Casting

The most commonly worn area of the male casting 10 is the contact surface 30 of the male bore 32 as it is in frictional contact with the follower block 38. FIG. 20 generally shows the steps of the reconditioning process applicable to both the male casting, and as will be seen later, the female casting. Once the area to be measured has been prepared and cleaned 300, the appropriate gauge is applied 302 to the male casting and the contact surface 30 of the male connector 10 is measured 304 by use of a gauge 40 designed specifically for the male casting 10. In accordance with the present invention, the gauge 40 generally mimics the shape of the contact surface 30 of the male casting 10, the bore 32 and the pin bearing block 31 to allow a user to determine whether the width of metal between the anterior surface 54 of the male bore 32 and the contact surface 30 varies from its original values. The measurement of the ASF male connector is best accomplished using a pivot gauge 40, shown in FIGS. 7 9 and 16 17, and discussed below in further detail.

Once it is determined that the male casting 10 of the connector requires reconditioning 304, the contact surface 30 and the surrounding areas are preheated to between 300 500.degree. F., for example by use of a torch with a heating tip, i.e. a rosebud welding nozzle. It is preferable to use a non-contact thermometer to identify that the preheat temperature is within the desired range. The affected area is then built up with weld 306, preferably a Stoody 105-G (CO.sub.2 and All-Position (AP) modified) wire having the following chemical composition by percent weight: 0.20% C, 1.0% Mn; 0.4% Si; 3.2% Cr; 0.5% Mo; <0.50% Others; and balance % Fe. Another preferred wire is a Stoody 105-G (All-Position (AP) modified) wire or an equivalent wire.

The area is then machined 308 to within 1/16'' of the contour edge 84 of the pivot gauge 40, shown in FIGS. 7 9 and 16 17. Machining is generally the removal of weld, metal, or other material and can include grinding, drilling, milling, turning, boring, and broaching, among others. The weld is additionally blended into existing adjacent surfaces. Listed below are suggested machine settings for the welding operator. The preferred welding pattern for the weld application is concentric parallel arcs. The measuring gauge 40 should remain in place while the weld build up and machining steps occur, however the swing arm 44a should be pivoted or moved out of the way to prevent any interference or contact with the heated weld. As a precaution, the surfaces of the gauge 40 subject to weld spatter should be lightly coated with a spatter resistant product prior to welding. The swing arm 44a should be pivoted out of the way of the weld area to avoid being covered with spatter, but can remain in place on the male casting during welding.

TABLE-US-00001 Feed Rate Wire Required Gas Welding Position Volts Amps (ipm) Stoody 105 G CO.sub.2 or 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Horizontal 27 210 330 370 (CO.sub.2 & AP) Stoody 105 G CO.sub.2 or 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Flat (Downhand) 28 220 385 425 (CO.sub.2 & AP) Stoody 105 G CO.sub.2 or 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Overhead 27 160 245 285 (CO.sub.2 & AP) Stoody 105 G 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Horizontal 26 230 275 315 (AP modified) Stoody 105 G 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Flat (Downhand) 28 230 385 425 (AP modified) Stoody 105 G 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Overhead 26 175 265 315 (AP modified)

Preferably, the application of weld to the worn surfaces should be performed in a relatively still air environment to prevent loss of shielding gas and fast cooling. The casting temperature should not be allowed to drop below 250.degree. F. at any time during the build up process. It may, therefore, be necessary for the casting to be reheated during the process. If the welding process is interrupted for any length of time, the welded area must be thoroughly covered with an insulating blanket to prevent cracking. Welding practices known in the art regarding the removal of all slag, oxide scale and spatter between passes should be followed. Weld should be finished as to not produce a notch effect at the junction of the weld with the parent metal and every precaution should be taken to avoid abrupt changes in section thickness at the line of fusion. Cracks, incomplete fusion, overlaps, undercut, unfilled craters, voids, and other defects can be highly problematic and should be avoided. For porosity, no rounded indications greater than 3/16'' long, and no 6'' square regions containing ten or more rounded indications are preferred.

Once welding 306 and machining 308 are accomplished, the gauge 40 is again used to re-qualify the part 310 and ensure proper repair has occurred, by checking that the dimensions are correct and no wear or over buildup remains. Preferably, the area is then thoroughly covered with an insulating blanket to allow slow cooling. Both preheating and slow cooling during the process are important to prevent cracking. After cooling, the restored area is tested using dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection to ensure the quality of the restored surface is free of defects.

The preferred gauge 40, as shown in FIGS. 7 9 and 16 17, for use in measuring the ASF male connector is a pivot gauge, which preferably includes two members: a base 42 and a swing arm assembly 44. The base 42 is generally a block-shaped member having a plurality of sides as shown. The top of the base 42 includes an opening 78 to receive a portion of the swing arm assembly 44. The front side of the base 42 has a relatively spherical surface 52 to engage the anterior surface 54 of the bore 32 in the male casting 10, which has a complimentary shape. The complimentary shapes allow the proper vertical relationship of the gauge to the male casting to ensure accurate measurement of the worn portion. The rear side 56 of the base preferably includes an opening 58 to receive a screw jack assembly 60. The screw jack assembly 60 includes a threaded rod 62 having a brace end 64 and a nut 66, forming an expanding clamp brace. The brace end 64 is configured to brace or secure the base 42 against the interior of the male bore 32. Preferably, the brace end 64 has three legs 68 contacting the posterior surface 70 of the male bore 32. The nut 66, when turned, extends or retracts the brace end 64 from the base 42. As a result, the turning of the nut 66 can extend the brace until it is flush with the posterior surface 70 of the male bore 32 securing the base 42 of the pivot gauge in the male bore 32. The anterior surface 54 and posterior surface 70 are typically unworn or minimally worn portions of the bore 32 that are sufficient for reference measurement for refinishing.

The swing arm assembly 44 comprises a swing arm 44a, a cylindrical holder 44b, and a plate 44c. The swing arm 44a is generally L-shaped, and includes an extension arm portion 74 and a measurement arm portion 76. The length of the extension arm 74 is determined by the dimensions of the male casting generally, including the contact surface 30 and the male bore 32.

The swing arm assembly 44 is pivotally connected to the base. Plate 44c is secured to the base 42 by a countersink bolt 48 located on the plate 44c. The countersink bolt 48 is received in opening 78 in the base 42. The cylindrical holder 44b, which preferably has a top portion 43 and a bottom portion 45, is then pivotally attached to the plate 44c. The bottom portion 45 of the cylindrical holder 41 is preferably inserted into a hole (not shown) in plate 44c and is secured to the plate, preferably with a c-shaped clip (not shown) inserted into and around a smaller diameter of a groove in the bottom portion 43 of the cylindrical holder 41.

The top portion 43 of the cylindrical holder 41 includes a notch 47 to receive the extension arm 74 of the swing arm 44a. Additionally, an inline hole 49 extends horizontally through the cylindrical holder 41 which aligns with a similar hole (not shown) in the extension arm. A pin can then be inserted through the hole 49 and the hole in the extension arm 74, securing the extension arm 74 to the cylindrical holder 41.

The swing arm assembly results in the plate 44c being secured to the base 42 via countersink bolt 48, the cylindrical holder 44b being removably and pivotally secured to the plate 44c, and the swing arm 44a being removably and pivotally secured to the cylindrical holder 44b. The swing arm 44a is thus capable of pivoting generally vertically up from the base around the inline hole 49 and pin. This allows the swing arm 44a to be pivoted up and away from the male casting 10, when desired. The cylindrical holder 44b and hence the swing arm 44a are additionally able to pivot horizontally around the axis of the cylindrical holder 44b, allowing the swing arm 44a and its contour edge 84 to sweep along a desired range of the male casting contact surface 30, as shown in FIG. 16.

The swing arm 44a additionally includes a flat portion 46, which is part of the extension arm 74 that contacts the plate 44c and ensures the proper relationship between the contour edge 84 and the spherical surface 52 of the base 42. The measurement arm 76 then extends downwardly from the extension arm 74.

The measurement arm 76 includes a front edge 82 and a contoured edge 84. The curve of the contour edge 84 is designed to conform in shape with the contact surface 30 of the male casting 10 of the connector. The contoured edge 84 can swing the entire range of the contact surface 30 of the male casting 10. The length of the extension arm 74 is such that the contour edge 84 of the swing arm 44a is less than approximately 1/8'' from the contact surface 30 of a male casting 10 having no wear. The distance between the contour edge 84 and the contact surface 30 of the non-worn male casting 10 may be different based on the type of connector being used, but should allow the user to determine whether an appropriate amount of wear has occurred requiring reconditioning. Such a determination is described below.

Once the surface to be reconditioned has been cleaned and prepared, the pivot gauge 40 is used to determine if reconditioning is necessary. First, the base 42 is inserted into the bore 32 of the male casting 10 such that the spherical surface 52 is in contact with the anterior surface 54 of the bore 32. The nut 66 of the screw jack assembly 60 is then turned until the brace end 64 is sufficiently extended against the posterior surface 70 of the male bore 32. If, for example, a three legged brace as shown in FIGS. 16 17 is used, the nut 66 should be turned by hand until all three legs 68 are flush against the posterior surface 70. The nut 66 should be snug, preferably turned no more than 1/8 of a turn past finger tight. The swing arm assembly 44 is then secured to the base 42 by inserting the countersink bolt 48 of the plate 44c into the opening 78 in the base 42, pivotally attaching the cylindrical holder 44b to the plate 44c, and pivotally attaching swing arm 44a to the cylindrical holder 44b. The swing arm 44a can now be rotated over the contact surface 30 of the male casting 10. The anterior surface 54 of the bore 32 in the male casting 10 acts as a reference point to determine the sum of material thickness lost due to wear between the anterior surface 54 and the contact surface 30 of the male casting 10. The anterior surface 54 is suitable to be used as a reference surface as it should not have significant wear itself and will generally maintain its original dimension and contour. It should be noted that restoration of the contact surface 30 will also account for the minimal wear on the anterior surface 54.

The pivot gauge 40 serves two purposes. The first use of the pivot gauge is to move the swing arm 44a through a maximum range, marked as A in FIG. 16, covering a portion of the contact surface 30 to ensure that no interference exists. If any interference is found through the maximum range in that the dimensions of the contact surface 30 are greater than specified, those areas must be machined to conform to the gauge contour. Then the pivot gauge 40 is moved through a minimum range, marked as B in FIG. 16, having a smaller arc and covering a smaller area of the contact surface 30. The area included in the minimum range is subject to the greatest amount of wear during use and is hence a critical area for measurement. To determine if reconditioning is necessary, the swing arm 44a is moved through the minimum range B. If at any time a 1/4'' or greater diameter cylindrical pin can be inserted between the contour edge 84 of the swing arm 44a and the contact surface 30 of the male casting 10 of the connector within the minimum range, reconditioning of the male casting 10 is required. If a 1/4'' or greater diameter pin cannot be inserted between the contour edge 84 of the swing arm 44a and the contact surface 30 of the male casting 10 of the connector within the minimum range, reconditioning of the male casting 10 is not required. After reconditioning of the worn areas is completed, as described above, the swing arm 44a is rotated through the maximum limits again to ensure proper repair has occurred and no excess weld remains.

Female Casting

The most commonly worn areas of the female casting 12, as shown in FIGS. 12 13, are the anterior surfaces 86 of the bores 24 and 26, since these are in frictional contact with the pin 16 holding the castings together. The measurement of the female casting 12 is accomplished by use of a gauge 88 designed specifically for the bores 24 and 26 of the female casting 12. The gauge 88 generally mimics the shape of the bores 24 and 26 of the female casting 12 to determine if the bores vary from their original dimensions. The measurement of the ASF female casting 12 is best accomplished using a drop-in gauge, shown in FIGS. 4 6 and 12 15, and discussed below in further detail.

If restoration of either of the bores 24 or 26 of the female casting 12 is required, the anterior surface 86 of the bores so affected and the surrounding area is preheated to between 300 500.degree. F., for example by use of a torch heating tip, i.e. a rosebud welding nozzle. The affected area is then built up with weld, preferably Stoody Build-Up APG (CO.sub.2 modified) wire having the following chemical composition by percent weight: 0.12% C, 1.0% Mn; 0.4% Si; 1.4% Cr; 0.5% Mo; <0.50% Others; and balance % Fe. Another preferred wire is Stoody Build-Up APG wire or equivalent wire. The built-up area is then machined to within 1/16'' of the appropriate gauge. The weld is additionally blended into existing adjacent surfaces. The following are suggested machine settings for the welding operator. The preferred welding pattern for the weld application is concentric parallel arcs.

TABLE-US-00002 Feed Rate Wire Required Gas Welding Position Volts Amps (ipm) Stoody Build-up APG CO.sub.2 or Horizontal 25 200 225 300 375 (CO.sub.2 modified) 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Stoody Build-up APG CO.sub.2 or Flat (Downhand) 26 200 225 340 400 (CO.sub.2 modified) 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Stoody Build-up APG CO.sub.2 or Overhead 25 160 180 245 280 (CO.sub.2 modified) 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Stoady Build-up APG 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Horizontal 25 200 225 300 375 Stoody Build-up APG 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Flat (Downhand) 26 200 225 340 400 Stoody Build-up APG 75% Ar/25% CO.sub.2 Overhead 25 160 180 245 280

The same precautions and protocol should be followed regarding weld build up and machining as with the process on the male casting 10, described above. The female casting 12 is then again measured with the appropriate gauge 88 to ensure that the proper dimensions have been restored. The area is then thoroughly covered with an insulating blanket to allow slow cooling. Both preheating and slow cooling during the process are important to preventing cracking. After cooling, the restored area is preferably tested using dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection to ensure the quality of the restored surface is free of defects. As a final check, an unworn connector pin or equivalent gauge must be easily inserted through both bores at the same time.

The measurement of the ASF female connector is preferably accomplished using the drop-in gauge 88, shown in FIGS. 4 6 and 12 13. As shown in FIG. 5, the drop-in gauge 88 preferably includes four radially extending measurement fin sections, each positioned at 90 degrees from the adjacent fin. The fins 90 are preferably of sufficient length to extend through the bores 24 and 26 in the female casting 12 of the connector, and each fin preferably defines a measurement edge. The drop-in gauge 88 has a top end 92 and a bottom end 94. The top end 92 of the drop-in gauge 88 can be used as a handle portion. The top end 92 also includes tabs or flanges 96 on each fin 90 of the gauge 88 to create shoulders 98 at the top end 92 of the gauge 88 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The width of the flange 96 is greater than the width of the rest of the fins 90 and greater than the width of the bores 24 and 26 in the female casting 12. Thus, the drop-in gauge 88 can be seated in the bore without falling through, as shown in FIGS. 12 13. The width of the arms 90, not including the extensions of the tabs 96, is such that total width or diameter 100 of the gauge is approximately less than 1/8'' less than the diameter of an unworn bore. Different diameter gauges can be used based on different connectors and their required dimensions.

The drop-in gauge 88 can be used on both the upper bore 24 and lower bore 26 of the female casting 12. The gauge 88 is inserted into both bores 24 and 26 and is positioned squarely against the posterior surface 102 of the bores, which functions as a reference point as it receives negligible wear. If a 1/8'' diameter pin can be inserted between the fins 90 of the gauge 88 and any point of the anterior surface 86 of the bore, restoration of the bore is required. If a 1/8'' diameter pin cannot be inserted between the arms 90 of the gauge 88 and any point of the anterior surface 86 of the bore, restoration of the bore is not required.

Once the welding and machining steps on the female bores 24 and 26 have been completed, the drop-in gauge 88 is placed in the reconditioned bore, again positioned squarely against the posterior surface 102 of the bores 24 and 26 using the flanges 96 as guides. The gauge 88 must easily rotate at least 180 degrees within the bores to assure that the proper dimensions are met.

Reconditioning of National Castings Articulated Connectors

Reconditioning of the National Casting connectors is done using similar methods. Typical wear areas of the National Castings connectors include the anterior surface 286 of female bore 226 located in the bottom portion 220 of the female casting 212 and the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210, as shown in FIG. 2. The female casting 212 of the connector is reconditioned in the same manner as the ASF female casting, except that the National Castings female casting 212 usually has only one bore 226 subject to wear rather than both and may require a different dimension gauge.

Determining if the male casting 210 of the National Castings connector requires reconditioning is ascertained using a different gauge, better suited for its shape. Specifically, determination of required reconditioning is preferably accomplished using an S-shaped gauge 106. The S-shaped gauge is preferably formed from hardened plate steel and has five segments roughly forming an S-shape as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 19. The first four segments, 108, 110, 112, and 114 are located relatively perpendicular to one another. The following dimensions are for a standard National Castings connector, but they could be changed to accommodate another type of connector having different dimensions. The segments are preferably approximately 1'' wide. The joint between the first segment 108 and second segment 110 is a sharp corner at 90 degrees. The joint between the second segment 110 and third segment 112 is preferably curved and has a 0.5'' radius as does the joint between the third segment 112 and the fourth segment 114. The joint between the fourth segment 114 and fifth segment 116 is a sharp corner at 90 degrees. Preferably, the overall length of segments 108, 112 and 116 is 7'' while the width of the gauge is 9.07'' at its widest.

The outer edge of the fifth segment 116 is different from the other segments. While most of the segments are generally rectangular in shape, the outer edge 118 of the fifth segment 116 is designed to appropriately measure the contour of the male connectors. At each end of the fifth segment 116, the corners 120 of the outer edges 118 are constructed at an acute angle, preferably 6 degrees, from the expected angle, namely that of the 90 degree inner edge of the fifth segment 116. The corners 120 are constructed with a 0.2'' radius. Both corners 120 contain the acute angle along the outer edge 118. The two angled corners 120 of the outer edge 118 meet at a midpoint 122 of the segment, approximately 3.5'' from each end. The two portions create an obtuse angle, preferably 168 degrees, along the outer edge 118 of the fifth segment 116 with the apex at the midpoint 122 of the segment 116 as can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. The inside dimension between the first segment 108 and the third segment 112 is preferably 2.805'' while the inside dimension between the third segment 112 and the fifth segment 116 is preferably 2.930''. Taking measurements will hence differ based on whether the A side, the first segment 108 of the gauge 106, or the B side, the fifth segment 116 of the gauge 106 is used. Different circumstances will call for the use of either side of the gauge as will be explained below.

Determining whether the male casting 210 of the connector requires reconditioning involves two measurements taken with the S-shaped gauge 106, once the bushing is removed. The first is measuring the gap 126 between the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 and the back edge 124 of the third segment 112. The measurement is taken by placing the first segment 108 of the S-shaped gauge 106 flush against the anterior surface 128 of the male bore 232. The anterior surface 128 of the male bore 232 acts as a reference point as negligible wear occurs there. The second segment 110 must also be flush against the top 130 of the male casting 210 adjacent to the bore 232 as seen in FIG. 19. The S-shaped gauge 106 is kept perpendicular to the bore 232 as it is swept through a preferably 80.degree. angle as shown in FIG. 18. The second measurement is taken by placing the outer edge 132 of the first segment 108 against the far inside edge of the sidewall 222 of the female casting 212 of the connector.

Using these two measurements, the following will determine if the male casting 210 requires reconditioning. If a 1/8'' diameter pin can be inserted in the narrowest gap 126 between the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 and the back edge 124 of the third segment 112 of the S-shaped gauge 106, but a 1/8'' diameter pin cannot be inserted in the largest gap between the far inside end of the sidewall 222 of the female casting 212 and the first segment 108 of the S-shaped gauge, restoration of the contact surface 230 is required using side A of the S-shaped gauge. Alternatively, if a 1/8'' diameter pin can be inserted in the narrowest gap 126 between the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 and the back edge 124 of the third segment 112 of the S-shaped gauge 106, and a 1/8'' diameter pin can be inserted in the largest gap between the far inside end of the sidewall 222 and the first segment 108 of the S-shaped gauge 106, restoration of the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 is required using side B of the S-shaped gauge. If a 1/8'' diameter pin cannot be inserted in the narrowest gap 126 between the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 and the back edge 124 of the third segment 112 of the S-shaped gauge, but a 1/8'' diameter pin can be inserted in the largest gap between the far inside end of the female sidewall 222 and the first segment 108 of the S-shaped gauge, restoration of the contact surface 230 is required using side B of the S-shaped gauge 106. Lastly, if a 1/8'' diameter pin cannot be inserted in the narrowest gap 126 between the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 and the back edge 124 of the third segment 112 of the S-shaped gauge 106, and a 1/8'' diameter pin cannot be inserted in the largest gap between the far inside end of the female sidewall 222 and the first segment 108 of the S-shaped gauge, restoration of the contact surface 230 is not required.

If it is determined that the contact surface 230 of the male casting 210 requires reconditioning, the process is similar to that for the ASF connector. The area in and around that requiring reconditioning is preheated to 300 500.degree. F. A non-contact thermometer should be used to confirm proper temperature. The affected area is then slightly overbuilt with weld, preferably using the same weld wires and the same machine settings as with the male ASF connector. The built-up area is then machined back to conform to the appropriate side of the gauge 106 and existing adjacent surfaces. The same protocols as to welding, machining, and cooling of the reconditioned connector apply. The male casting is likewise remeasured to assure that the proper dimensions have been achieved. It should again be noted that the bore 232 in the male casting 210 of the connector should be checked to ensure that no weld splatter or protrusions are present which would hinder the subsequent installation of the bushing.

Semi-Automatic Process for Reconditioning Connectors

A semi-automatic technique will now be described as implemented for the reconditioning of an ASF female articulated connector casting. It is contemplated that the presently preferred technique, with appropriately modified fixtures and gauges, will be applicable to other connector castings, female National Castings articulated connector castings, and the male casting counterparts thereof.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 in the present disclosure, the ASF female casting 12 defines two bores 24 and 26 aligned on a vertical axis and extending through a top 18 and bottom 20 portion of the female casting. The bores are sized to receive a pin 16 that extends through the bores 24 and 26 and through a bore 32 in the male casting 10 when the male casting is positioned between the top 18 and the bottom 20 portions of the female casting. As noted above, the top and bottom bores of the female casting are prone to misshaping and disqualification due to the wear caused by forces on the inner surfaces of the bore from the pin during use.

As noted in the description of the above method, reconditioning of the bores on the female casting is typically accomplished through the manual application of weld to the inner surfaces of each bore. The weld application is subsequently machined by hand to achieve a standard sizing and tolerance in the bores. The machining procedure can be a tedious, manual process, and may take as much as 20 hours to complete by hand due to the superior strength of the materials used in the casting and the weld. It is therefore desirable to automate the machining process, particularly where more than one bore is involved in a single casting, as in the case of the female ASF connector casting.

In accordance with the present invention, a fixture assembly is provided to assist in the automatic or semi-automatic reconditioning of an ASF female casting. Preferably, the fixture includes an adjustable, rigid frame apparatus as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22A 22E. Turning first to FIG. 22A, the fixture 700 includes a horizontally positioned fixture weldment top plate 702 and a corresponding horizontal bottom plate 704. The top plate 702 and the bottom plate 704 are connected via a pair of spaced, vertical sideplates 706 rigidly attached to and extending between the top plate 702 and the bottom plate 704. A pair of legs 707 is rigidly attached in line with the sideplates 706 to the underside of weldment bottom plate 704 for supporting the fixture weldment 704. Gussets 703 are mounted in various corners of the frame of the fixture 700 to reinforce the rigidity of the structure. In the rigid frame of the fixture 700, the horizontal plate 702 and 704 and the vertical sideplates 706 define an interior space 708.

The fixture 700 incorporates a clamping means to allow attachment of the fixture 700 to a female ASF casting. Preferably, the clamping means includes at least a pair of contoured vertical plate weldments 710 that extend inwardly from the sideplates 706. The inner walls of the weldments 710 define contoured receiving guideways 712 extending below a protruding triangular flange 714 of the upper portion of each weldment 710. The guideways 712 and a major portion of each vertical weldment 710 are covered on one side with a tapped clamping plate 716 of generally rectangular shape mounted flush to the face of each weldment 710. A second tapped clamping plate 718 sandwiches the narrow portion of each of the vertical plate weldments 710 and extends generally parallel to the tapped plate 716. Preferably, each tapped plate 718 is held in place with the opposing tapped plate 716 via a set of alloy steel socket head screws 726 that extend through openings in the vertical weldment 710. Preferably, high-strength alloy steel washers an