Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming tubes, rods and the like into a serpentine configuration. A plurality of guide rails are mounted on a supporting surface and carriage bars are slideable on the guide rails. A lazy tong linkage having bend forming members mounted thereon is slideably mounted on the carriage bars. A lazy tong linkage assembly is disposed on each side of a center line and expander mechanisms are provided for forcing the two spaced lazy tong linkages apart. Drive means connected to the carriage bars drives the lazy tong linkage to a collapsed position and this movement causes the bend forming members to form a straight tube or rod into a serpentine configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for handling and storing a plurality of workpieces on trays. A storage rack is provided and a plurality of trays may be stored in vertical stacked relationship. A trackway is provided for transferring trays into and from the storage rack and transfer mechanism is provided for transferring simultaneously a plurality of workpieces to or from individual rows on the trays. Rotatable support arms are engageable with the vertically stacked trays to support the trays above the lowermost tray so that the lowermost tray can slide into or out of the storage rack. The support arms move into operative or inoperative position when the lowermost tray is in a partially withdrawn position.