Gun liner repair apparatus

Abstract

A gun liner repair apparatus and process for repairing a gun liner withoutisassembly of the gun or the liner. This apparatus includes a grinding unit for grinding away a damaged area of a liner and includes a potting unit for depositing new liner material on the damaged area of the liner.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Gun liner repair apparatus comprising: a grinding unit for grinding a damaged area of a liner; and   a potting unit for depositing new liner material on the damaged area of the liner.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grinding unit comprises: a multi-piece cylindrical housing having an axis and being radially adjustable;   a single tool bit mounted on and radially adjustable relative to the housing;   drive means for rotating the tool bit; and   an elongate tube coaxially attached to the housing.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the potting unit comprises: a cylindrical form for temporary placement inside the liner to form an annular space for a deposit of the new liner material on the damaged area of the liner;   said cylindrical form having a first end with a plug for closing the cylindrical form at the first end thereof;   said plug having a plurality of o-ring seals engaging the liner for closing the annular space at a first end thereof;   said plug having passage means from a supply chamber to the annular space for the supply of the new liner material to the annular space.   
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the chamber is a variable volume chamber formed between a cylinder and a piston of a pump. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the passage means has at least one pipe extending from the chamber to the annular space. 
     
     
       6. A process for repair of a liner including the steps of: grinding away a damaged area of a surface of a liner within a selected length of the liner;   forming a deposit of new material over the damaged area; and   honing away a portion of the deposit to obtain an inner diameter of the liner which is about equal in size to its original inner diameter before damage.   
     
     
       7. The process of claim 6, wherein the step of forming a deposit of new material over the damaged area includes the steps of: placing an inner form within the liner so as to form an annular space for a deposit of the new material;   sealing one end of the annular space;   injecting the deposit into the annular space to a preselected level;   curing the deposit for a first time interval at a selective temperature;   freezing the inner form for a second time interval; and removing the inner form from the liner before honing the deposit portion.   
     
     
       8. The process of claim 7, wherein the step of injecting the deposit into the annular space to a preselected level includes the steps of: pressurizing a chamber containing a supply of new material; and   conducting an amount of new material from the chamber to the annular space.