Abstract: A method and device for shaping tubular workpieces from thermoplastic placs is disclosed. In the method, the workpiece to be shaped is inserted into a mold, heat is applied from the interior of the workpiece to heat the workpiece to the softening temperature of the plastic, this temperature is maintained until the workpiece assumes the shape of the mold, and the workpiece is left in the mold until it has cooled off. A flexible heating core is used to apply heat to the interior of the workpiece. The heating core has an insulating jacket with a sliding layer on its outer wall and a heating conductor winding located within the insulating jacket. A stress relief extends lengthwise in the middle of the heating core and outward of the heating core at one end. A receptacle is provided at the other end of the heating core for the stress relief.

Abstract: An eddy current sensor having a coil set with a reference coil and a measng coil, and a sine generator whose output signal is applied to the reference coil and the measuring coil. The output signals of these coils are subtracted from one another by a first subtracter, whose ouput signal is applied to a first modulator and to a second demodulator through a 90 degree phase shifter. The output signal of the sine generator is provided to the first and second demodulators as an additional signal via a phase shifter having an adjustable phase angle. A phase angle is selected such that the interference signals have a specified direction in the formed signal plane. The output signal from the first demodulator is applied through an amplifier having an adjustable amplifying factor (a) to an input of a second subtracter. Similarly, the output signal of the second demodulator is provided through an amplifier having an adjustable amplifying factor (b) to the second subtracter.

Abstract: A storage station for receiving workpieces from a loading conveyor belt and for sending workpieces to an unloading conveyor belt. The station has a plurality of spaced platforms mounted on a common rotatable shaft, and apparatus for adjusting the vertical position relative to the rotary platforms of the ends of the loading and unloading conveyor belts which are proximal to the station. A first guide is provided for each platform for directing workpieces riding on the outer radial region of the respective platform toward the inner radial region of that platform when the first guide is in a first position.