Abstract: A spiral pipe machine includes a feeding assembly for continuously feeding a web of material, and a forming assembly for accepting the web. The forming assembly bends the web to form a first section of a spiral pipe having a first predetermined diameter. A controller is employed for selectively instructing the forming means to change its configuration so as to give a second section of the spiral pipe a second predetermined diameter. The controller is capable of controlling the forming station to transition from the first predetermined diameter to the second predetermined diameter during the continuous feeding of the web.

Abstract: A flange-forming apparatus allows a user to automatically adjust the device's roll forming stations, concurrently together, for changing the height of a flange formed into a metal web by the roll forming stations, e.g., for ductwork. The height is adjustable within an infinite range between set maximum and minimum limits. Each roll forming station includes upper and lower roll forming pairs, which cooperate for forming the flange or portion thereof. Each roll forming pair includes a first roll forming portion, and a second, coaxial roll forming portion that is axially moveable towards and away from the first roll forming portion. (The portions are in effect a laterally split roll forming die.) The second roll forming portions are rotatably supported on a plate-like adjustment linkage assembly, which can be shifted, using an array of motor driven screw members, towards or away from the first roll forming portions.

Abstract: A flange for ductwork is integrally formed at a distal end of a duct surface. A first flange portion is formed perpendicularly outward from the duct surface. A second flange portion is bent at a right angle from the first flange portion and substantially parallel to the duct surface. A third flange portion is bent back to be in substantial touching relationship with the second flange portion and towards the first flange portion. A fourth flange portion is bent at a right angle from the third flange portion to be in substantial touching relationship with the first flange portion. Finally, a fifth flange portion is bent at a right angle from the fourth flange portion to be in substantial touching relationship with the duct surface.

Abstract: A spiral pipe machine includes a feeding assembly for continuously feeding a web of material, and a forming assembly for accepting the web. The forming assembly bends the web to form a first section of a spiral pipe having a first predetermined diameter. A controller is employed for selectively instructing the forming means to change its configuration so as to give a second section of the spiral pipe a second predetermined diameter. The controller is capable of controlling the forming station to transition from the first predetermined diameter to the second predetermined diameter during the continuous feeding of the web.

Abstract: A formation and rotation apparatus for use in forming and rotating interconnected sections of a cylindrical workpiece, including a frame and a head arranged within the frame, the head defining two slots and being operatively rotated via an integral drive assembly. A first slide block is slidably disposed within one of the two slots, and a second slide block is disposed within another of the two slots, each of the first and the second slide blocks include a cutting wheel and a beading wheel for successively forming each of the interconnected sections. An armature having an axis of rotation is also provided, along with a gripping mechanism being operatively connected to the armature. A drive mechanism selectively rotates the armature about the axis of rotation after the gripping means has closed about one of the interconnected sections.

Abstract: A rotary punching apparatus for punching openings in a moving web workpiece the openings having a predetermined length along the longitudinal axis of the web and having a pair of die assemblies located on opposite sides of the path of the web and a drive for rotating the assemblies, a leading die mounted on one assembly, and being moveable for generally radially so as to punch a die opening through the web, a mating die recess punched in the other of the assemblies; and, a trailing die adjacent to the leading die, being located to punch the web at a point adjacent the punched die opening so as to punch a second die opening in the web, the first die opening and the trailing die opening together defining a continuous opening having a predetermined length along the web. Also disclosed is a method of rotary punching by use of such apparatus.

Abstract: A variable width roll forming apparatus forms a web and includes a first side plate extending substantially an entire length of the roll forming apparatus and a second side plate extending substantially an entire length of the roll forming apparatus, the first side plate and the second side plate being oriented substantially equidistant from one another. A plurality of roller die assemblies are disposed in apertures formed in the first side plate and the second side plate. An adjusting apparatus is utilized to selectively change a separation width between predetermined roller die assemblies in the first side plate and the second side plate, wherein the roll forming apparatus defines at least two differing widths between roller die assemblies disposed in the first side plate and the second side plate while maintaining the substantially equidistant spacing between the first side plate and the second side plate.

Abstract: A rolling mill apparatus for forming a web of material includes a die stand having an upper die assembly and a lower die assembly, the die stand bending the web to a predetermined formation angle as the web passes between the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly. A movement apparatus is utilized for selectively moving the upper die assembly in a vertical direction, thereby adjusting a vertical clearance between the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly. A pin is fixed to the upper die assembly and a cam block having a groove formed at a predetermined orientation angle is also provided. The pin travels in the angled groove when the upper die assembly is moved in the vertical direction and causes the upper die assembly to move horizontally. The predetermined orientation angle of the block is approximately equal to the predetermined formation angle.

Abstract: A roller die apparatus for supporting pairs of roller dies in predetermined clearances for processing a web workpiece, and for varying the clearances between the dies to accommodate variations in the thickness of a web workpiece and having first and second roller dies rotatably mounted on respective roller die bearings, one of the first and second roller dies being moveable both upwardly and downwardly transversely to its axis of rotation, and being moveable axially along its axis of rotation, thereby achieving adjusting of the die clearance between the first and second roller dies in two planes. The two adjustments take place simultaneously so as to cause an adjustment movement in a diagonal direction, as between one die and the other in each pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a movable sheet of web material onto predetermined lengths including a pair of upper and lower cutoff rolls and a retractable cutoff blade. A slide mechanism is utilized to move in a direction transverse to the movement of the sheet of web material to selectively engage and disengage the cutoff blade.