Abstract: A frame border corner connecting device for interconnecting a pair of selectively lockable frame border strips of a changeable frame so as to thereby form a corner of the changeable frame is provided. The frame border corner connecting device includes a base element having respective sides to which each one of the frame border strips is securable. The frame border corner connecting device also includes a corner cover element movably mounted to the base element for movement between an open position, in which the corner cover element is clear of the path of movement of an item being moved selectively into or out of the changeable frame, and a closed position in which the corner cover element extends at least partially into the path of movement of the item.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach an outer muntin grid element to an inner muntin grid element to form a two piece muntin grid piece. The outer muntin grid element surrounds at least three sides of the inner muntin grid element and may be held to the outer muntin grid element without connectors such as adhesive. The outer muntin grid element may be a slit tube that is spread open to be positioned over the inner muntin grid element.

Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and formed with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel connection, particularly for flooring panels, having a groove (34) that is embodied at a side edge (3); a spring (32) that is embodied at a side edge (4); a depression (35) that is embodied in the groove (34) and has an interlocking surface (16); an interlocking element (33) that is embodied at the spring (32) and has an interlocking surface (27); and fitting surfaces (12, 22), which are embodied in the groove (34) and at the spring (32) and serve as abutments for the interlocking surfaces (17, 27). The properties of interlocking and orientation stability are improved in that the groove (34) has fitting surfaces (14, 15), which extend parallel to the top side (5), in the region of the groove bottom (7), and the spring (32) has fitting surfaces (24, 25), which extend parallel to the top side (9), in the region of the end surface (8), with the fitting surfaces (14, 24; 15, 25) resting against one another in the interlocked state of the connection.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured joist and beam support for concrete walls to be poured, particularly those utilizing a permanent, secondary non-structural material as forms essentially adjacent to the concrete, comprised of a U shaped rigid member, rigid anchor members extending therefrom and so as to cause a sufficiently large hole to be created in the secondary material in which the support is inserted and which essentially does not interfere with the flow of concrete being poured.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: There is provided a glulam wood beam comprising planks having a width substantially smaller than The width of the beam, assembled into snips. The beam is characterized by the presence of flash in the interior by external surfaces made essentially of duramen. There is further provided a method for making the wood beam of the instant invention wherein the strips are derived from panels and in which the cutting of the panels into strips is programmed to ensure that the subsequent assembly of the strips will result in beams having external surfaces comprised essentially of duramen, thus providing a beam with enhanced mechanical resistance.

Abstract: A brick or masonry structure (2) is drilled to receive an elongate reinforcing assembly comprising a core (3;25;26;27,28;32) with one or more fabric sleeves (10,15,22) over most of its length. The sleeves are injected with grout that seeps through the fabric to bond to the drilling (1) wall. It may bond directly to the core or to a tube through which the core extends. The core is anchored to the structure at or near the mouth of the drilling (1) while a tube (5) furthest from the mouth may have a connection (4) to the core (3) that allows the core to be pulled towards the mouth with progressively greater resistance. The reinforcing assembly can also have limited extendability by inserting links (31) in the core between grouted sleeve sections or by using wire (32), which could be kinked in such gaps.

Abstract: A packaging structure for packaging roll-shaped materials wound on a core, comprises: a bottom plate; left and right supporting plates to support both end portions of the core from a bottom side of the core; front and rear holding plates to support the left and right supporting plates from front and rear sides of the left and right supporting plates so as to hold a stand-up condition that the left and right supporting plates stand on the bottom plate; and a supporting structure to make the bottom plate, the left and right supporting plates and the front and rear holding plates in a single body structure and to make the left and right supporting plates and the front and rear holding plates collapsible.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging methods and materials are claimed. The materials are fusible and can form a part of a heat seal closure for non-rigid and semi-rigid packages. The methods are suitable for packages containing materials generally, and are well suited for those containing granular materials.

Abstract: An underwater plow designed for the efficient removal of seagrass species from one site and transplantation into a new site, and a method of its use is disclosed. The seagrass plow comprises a durable plow with a harvesting blade positioned such that as the plow is drawn along a seabed, samples of seagrass with root systems intact are efficiently harvested for transplantation into an area devoid of seagrass. The method comprises the provision of a seagrass plow, translation of the plow across a seabed location rich in seagrass, such that sections of seagrass are harvested onto a removable tray, removal of the tray from the water with a sample intact, transport of the tray contents to a new location for transplantation of the seagrass, and repeating of these steps.

Abstract: The spinning stations of a spinning machine each have a drafting unit and a stopping device for fiber material fed to the drafting unit. A first carriage is movable along the length of the spinning machine, which carriage comprises a sensor for detecting a broken thread at a spinning station. Spatially separated from this first carriage is a second carriage, which is movable along the length of the spinning machine, which second carriage is provided with an actuator for activating the stopping device of a spinning station in need of maintenance.

Abstract: A string for various kinds of recreational equipment is a composite-coated monofilament string which includes a single filament or a bundle of multiple filaments of string and a composite coating surrounding and bonded to the single filament or bundle of multiple filaments. The monofilament and multifilament string can be made from any of suitable conventional material. The composite coating in each construction of the string includes a matrix material and particles of PTFE interspersed within the matrix material and within a range of about 11% to 20% by weight of the composite coating. The matrix material can be a suitable synthetic material.

Abstract: In order to provide for coupling between the shell and the liner, a passive mounting system is provided. The passive mounting system uses indirect metal contact between the liner or liner panel and the shell. This design serves two main objectives: to minimize heat transfer between the hot gases and ultimately the exterior of the exhaust system; and to provide flexibility and mobility between liner components for changing stress and strain conditions, whether thermally related or otherwise. A passive mounted lining system comprising an outer shell, a liner support channel having a bolt slide void, a partially threaded bolt with a predetermined length of threads, and a series of thermal expansion compatible nuts, bolts, and washers, along with a liner channel support leg is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means for reducing jet engine exhaust noise wherein mixing is enhanced between adjacent exhaust flows and between exhaust flow and free-stream flow. The device does so with a very small degradation in aircraft performance. The device is a segmented, triangular or trapezoidal shaped, curved extension to a nozzle's sleeve that results in a serrated trailing edge. The nozzle extensions enhance the natural free mixing of the jet's exhaust flows and therefore reduce the acoustic energy associated with the velocity differences between the streams in which they are imbedded. The novel structure forces adjacent flows to penetrate into one another to a greater depth than that achievable with free mixing and results in a more uniform flow in a shorter stream wise distance.

Abstract: A rocket motor having a desensitizing mechanism for preventing explosion or violent reaction during slow cook-off is provided. The rocket motor includes a case contained rocket propellant with a desensitizing assembly attached forward of the propellant charge. The desensitizing assembly is formed with an enclosure containing a desensitizing fluid, and connected to the interior of the rocket motor by a tube which is sealed by a heat sensitive plug. The heat sensitive plug melts at a temperature below the slow cook-off temperature of the rocket propellant. The melting of the plug allows the desensitizing fluid to be ejected into the interior of the casing and onto the propellant charges, thereby, desensitizing the propellant charge.

Abstract: An exhaust gas catalyst system, comprises: a sulfur trap warm-up catalyst, housed within the exhaust stream and comprising: a sulfur scavenger component; and a NOX adsorber catalyst, housed within the exhaust stream downstream from said sulfur trap in an underfloor position. The method of reducing sulfur poisoning of a nitrogen oxide adsorber, housed within an exhaust gas catalyst system, comprises: placing a sulfur trap within the exhaust stream upstream from a NOX adsorber, wherein said sulfur trap comprises: a sulfur scavenger component.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing catalyst operation in an internal combustion engine having a two-bank, three EGO sensor structure includes determining the ratio of the arc length between the post-catalyst EGO sensor signal and the arc length of a pre-catalyst EGO sensor signal over a selected time period. If the exhaust bank is a one-sensor bank having only a post-catalyst EGO sensor and no pre-catalyst EGO sensor, the system uses the arc length from the pre-catalyst EGO sensor in the two-sensor bank to calculate the arc length ratio, thereby allowing calculation of two arc length ratios without two matched pairs of EGO sensors. The ratio indicates the efficiency of the catalyst and may be compared with calibratable or experimentally-determined thresholds to monitor converter efficiency over time.

Abstract: An engine has variable valve timing mechanisms, which are controlled in starting an engine to set valve opening overlap of an intake valve and an exhaust valve around 30° CA. In this case, internal EGR is actively conducted and fuel burning velocity within a cylinder becomes relatively slow and unburned fuel within the cylinder is emitted to an exhaust pipe to be post-burned by firing by itself. Temperature of exhaust gas is maintained high and catalyst converters in the cold state may be activated quickly by actively implementing the post-burning within the exhaust pipe. Further, ignition timing is retarded, an air-fuel ratio is controlled at a slightly lean ratio and the exhaust valve is advanced. The effect of raising the temperature of exhaust gas by the post-burning may be realized more reliably by combining each of these controls.

Abstract: In an exhaust control valve having a valve housing and a valve body rotatably contained in the valve housing, a transmission member is fitted to an outer end of the valve shaft and protrudes from the outside of the valve housing. A bearing bushing for rotatably bearing an external circumferential surface of the valve shaft by its internal circumferential surface and rotatably bearing an end face of the valve body by its end face is mounted in the valve housing. The valve body is urged by load from a thrust spring for achieving a pressure contact seal condition between the opposed end faces of the bearing bush and the valve body.

Abstract: A variable stall speed control device is used with a torque converter of an automatic transmission of an engine for improving the stall speed property of a mechanical power transmission torque converter. The variable stall speed control device includes a lubricating fluid flow housing (4) having one or more internal fluid routing pathways connected to a lubricating fluid reservoir(3). The housing has a fluid inlet (14) and one or more fluid outlets (11) (12) (13) (15). The internal fluid volume of the housing (4) has a connector (11) connected to the torque converter (6) for regulating fluid flow between the housing (4) and the torque converter (6). The internal fluid volume of the housing (4) has a controllable fluid-flow drain (12) (13) for reducing fluid pressure, respectively, in the fluid-flow connector (11) and in the torque converter (6).

Abstract: Energy of returning pressurized fluid of an actuator is recovered and reused as energy for operating other accumulators. A first pump motor (16) and a second pump motor (17) are mechanically connected to form a pressure converter (18), and a first circuit (22), to which the returning pressurized fluid is supplied, is connected to the first pump motor (16). A pressure accumulator (27) is provided to a second circuit (25) connected to the second pump motor (17). The first circuit (22) is connected to a discharge passage (11) of a primary hydraulic pump (10) by a third circuit (29) and the pressure of a high pressure pressurized fluid is supplied to the discharge passage (11) by the pressure of the high pressure pressurized fluid, and is reused.

Abstract: An integrated drive unit having planetary gearing and an annular cone brake element affixed to a hydraulic motor barrel. A brake piston encircles the hydraulic motor barrel and is selectively engageable with the cone brake element to actuate the cone brake element into frictional contact with the spindle of the integrated drive unit to act as a safety/parking brake. The cone brake element is formed of a bronze-type powdered metal of sufficient durability to withstand dynamic braking. The hydraulic motor is selectively connectable to a transmission including planetary gearing. The planetary gearing of the present invention includes a planet gear carrier having carrier pins formed of a relatively low carbon steel and locally hardened over the area on which the planet gears will be supported. In an alternative embodiment, a carrier pins sleeve formed of VESPEL is utilized as the bearing between the planet gear and the carrier pin.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus consisting of a housing for compactly housing inner portions of axles, a hydrostatic transmission, and a transmitting mechanism for transmitting power to the axles from an output shaft of the hydrostatic transmission. The housing is partitioned by an internal wall into a chamber containing the hydrostatic transmission and a chamber containing the other transmitting mechanisms. The housing is filled with oil in common with both chambers. A trunnion for changing the output rotation of the hydrostatic transmission is disposed in parallel to the axles. A shock absorber is provided to prevent abrupt speed change. A differential locking device is attached to the differential gear to thereby improve the straightforward running capacity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydrostatic vehicle driving system structured from an engine to a drive axle in a working vehicle. A hydraulic pump driven by the engine and a variable displacement hydraulic motor for driving the drive axle are fluidly connected with each other through a hydraulic circuit. A motor capacity control system controls capacity of the hydraulic motor in correspondence to the condition of load on the engine. The motor capacity control system comprises load-detection means detecting hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic circuit replacing the load on the engine, a hydraulic actuator for changing the capacity of the hydraulic motor, and actuator-control means controlling the hydraulic actuator according to the detection of hydraulic pressure by the load-detection means.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure brake apparatus which smoothly adds the assistance force of a hydraulic pressure booster to a master cylinder piston after the assistance limitation by a negative pressure booster includes a negative pressure booster that assists a master cylinder piston, a hydraulic pressure booster that assists the master cylinder piston by outputting the hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic pressure pump after the assistance limitation of the negative pressure booster, and a valve mechanism that controls the assistance by the hydraulic pressure booster. A single reaction member in the form of a reaction force rubber disc is provided between the master cylinder piston and the hydraulic pressure booster to transmit the reaction force to a brake pedal via the reaction force rubber disc.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical refrigeration system and method of operation thereof including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve an evaporator, a hot gas bypass line and a hot gas valve. A control regulates the operation of the compressor and the hot gas valve and, upon determining that the compressor is to be shut off, first opens the hot gas valve for a predetermined time period to reduce any pressure differential between the high and low pressure sides of the compressor. This pressure reduction providing for reducing or eliminating any destructive compressor movement that would otherwise occur at shut down as the momentum of the moving parts of the compressor operate against a pressure differential. A similar method can be used to avoid such unwanted movement at start-up of the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigerating cycle has a condenser, an evaporator, a variable displacement compressor, and an expansion valve. The variable displacement compressor is connected between the condenser and the evaporator to form the refrigerating cycle, and includes a control valve designed to provide a control valve characteristic sloping downward with increase in a discharge pressure. The expansion valve is connected between the condenser and the evaporator, to return a refrigerant from the condenser through the evaporator to the variable displacement compressor, and designed to provide an open valve characteristic whose slope is approximately equal to the downward slope of the control valve characteristic.

Abstract: A refrigerator, having a motor for driving a compressor, an inverter for controlling the operation of the motor, a converter responsive to AC to perform a boosting function to supply DC of variable voltage to the inverter, converter control means for controlling the converter so that a plurality of DC voltages are outputted thereby and inverter control means for controlling the inverter in pulse width modulation each of the plurality of voltages. The lowest voltage among the plurality of voltages being a voltage which turns off the boosting function of the converter.

Abstract: A heating or air-conditioning system is provided for ventilating a passenger cell. The system includes an air-conditioning box in which a heat exchanger is accommodated and at least one air-mixing chamber is formed. The air-mixing chamber has an inflow opening for hot air flowing through the heat exchanger and an inflow opening for cold air flowing around the heat exchanger. The air-mixing chamber also has at least two outflow openings for ventilating the passenger cell. The system also has an air-mixing device which controls the inflow openings.

Abstract: An aerodynamic shaped deflector is attached to the roof of a truck cab for reducing drag between the cab and the larger rearward cargo body. The deflector has a front wall with an internal air scoop for channeling air to a refrigeration unit attached to the front wall of the cargo body. The scoop channels air to the refrigeration unit through an opening and grill at the rear of the scoop. The deflector may have an opening in a top wall thereof to permit escape of hot air from the refrigeration unit to the ambient atmosphere. The scoop and its grill at the rear thereof with openings are dimensioned to pass sufficient air required by the refrigeration unit heat exchange coils.

Abstract: Window type air conditioner including an indoor heat exchanger for heat exchange with room air, an outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange with external air, an air guide for partitioning a space for fitting the indoor heat exchanger and a space for fitting the outdoor heat exchanger, a turbo fan fitted inside of the air guide directly, for discharging the room air heat exchanged as the room air passes through the indoor heat exchanger into the room, again, and a fan fitted to outside of the air guide for discharging the external air heat exchanged as the external air passes tough the outdoor heat exchanger again, thereby permitting uniform discharge of cooled air from an outlet while a structure is made simple, improving a strength as the structure is simple, and preventing air leakage between indoor side components as assembly between the orifice and the air guides are made accurate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for sensing of ice, particularly applicable in the control of ice thickness in automatic ice-making machines. The ice-making machine may be of the conventional type using a cold plate with water flowing over it. A thermistor bead temperature sensor is encapsulated in a metal housing, which is in turn mounted on a carrier. The position of the carrier is adjustable relative to the cold plate. The control system has several variable delays or time durations which optimize system performance: 1. Minimum harvest time delay, relative to the start of the ice-making cycle; 2. Threshold persistence time delay, requires that the signal sensor persists above the harvest threshold value for a certain amount of time (referenced to when the threshold is first exceeded), before harvesting may begin; 3. Harvesting delay is an optional delay provided give the option of making sure the ice is sufficiently “cured.

Abstract: A case is provided for an air conditioner comprising an inner machine and an outer machine connected to the inner machine. The case comprises a case body and a panel. The case body comprises a hot air chamber communicated with the inner machine and a cool air chamber communicated with the inner machine. The panel is mounted to the case body such that the hot air chamber and the cool air chamber are isolated from each other. The panel further includes an air inlet communicated with the hot air chamber and an air outlet communicated with the cool air chamber.

Abstract: A modular cabinet for an ice maker or other refrigeration appliance, having a frame formed from a base, a tub resting on the base, and a pair of opposing side panels affixed to opposing sides of side tub and base assembly and a top panel.

Abstract: A condenser includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet, a core portion having a refrigerant passage for introducing refrigerant from the refrigerant inlet to the refrigerant outlet while condensing the refrigerant, and decompressing means provided at a part of the refrigerant passage, the decompressing means decompressing a refrigerant pressure. The refrigerant passage located at an upstream side of the decompressing means condensates at least a part of high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a liquified refrigerant. The decompressing means decompresses the liquified refrigerant into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant passage located at a downstream side of the decompressing means re-condensates the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

Abstract: A method for generating refrigeration for application to a heat load, especially at very cold temperatures, using an environmentally benign working gas such as air and using an upstream precooling circuit to reduce or eliminate inefficiencies stemming from warm end pinch.

Abstract: A jewelry setting for securely holding a stone, such as a gem or a diamond, where the stone has at least one peripheral tip. The setting includes a base and a plurality of prongs. The prongs have an inclined portion extending from the base outwardly at an angle, and a vertical portion projecting vertically from the inclined portion. A cavity in one or more of the prongs positioned to receive the peripheral tip of the stone is stamped in the vertical portion of the prongs. The cavity has a plurality of faceted walls adapted such that when the peripheral tip of the stone is received in the cavity, the facets of the cavity engage the facets of the peripheral tip.

Abstract: Method of heating glass contacting surfaces, comprising heating the glass contacting surfaces to a predetermined operating temperature by combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel gas mixture which includes 90% by volume of MAPP gas and 10 percent by volume of propane. Another method blends the MAPP with air and/or natural gas. A novel hydrocarbon fuel gas mixture which includes 90% by volume of MAPP gas and 10% by volume of propane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fiber using silica glass having properties changed by UV irradiation and heat treatment, which method facilitating efficient mass production of long optical fibers. A base material of silica glass is heated in a fiber spinning heating furnace, and a silica glass fiber is drawn out of the forward end of the heating furnace to be spun up. In a UV irradiation zone, UV is irradiated to the spun silica glass fiber. As a result, multiple structural defects are caused in the silica glass fiber. When the structural defects are removed by heat treatment, the average bond angle of Si—O—Si network in the silica glass increases compared with that before heat treatment, and structural relaxation proceeds to provide a structurally stable glass, in which generation of defects due to further UV irradiation is hindered. Thus, a silica glass fiber having high UV resistance is obtained.

Abstract: A circular knitting machine with support disk (2) and a needle cylinder (4) fixed onto it with screws is described. According to the invention, an intermediate ring (17), elastically deformable in the radial direction, is arranged between support disk (2) and needle cylinder (4), through which the stresses that develop from different heat expansions are avoided between these two components (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A knitting machine needle is described with a shank (2), provided on one end with a hook (5). According to the invention, the hook (5) has at least one separation edge (15) on its inside (11) for separation of two thread support regions (16, 17), so that the knitting machine needle is particularly suited for performance of platings (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A pantyhose garment is provided that has relatively sheer leg portions that end with knitted-in welts just below or above the knees, and a reinforced control top portion having good shaping and control characteristics that terminates at the top of the waist region with a knitted-in welt. The pantyhose under garment provides the user with shaping support, and because the lower leg is bare, it gives the user the freedom to wear any type of shoe (i.e., open-toed shoes, sandals, etc.). Pantyhose worn with open-toed shoes are usually undesirable, and also dangerous because the foot may slip in the shoe due to the lack of friction between the pantyhose and the shoe. In addition, there are many occasions when the user wants a more casual look in clothing, and therefore pantyhose on the foot and ankle would not be desired. The reinforced control top portion extends down the leg portions of the pantyhose far enough to provide support over the “saddlebag” and cellulite regions of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock device, in particular for doors of motor vehicles, having lock elements such as at least rotary latch and pawl, in which at least one lock element (pawl 1) can be connected via connecting elements with at least one handle or such connection can be eliminated, characterized by the fact that an actuator device has a cam disk (6) the connection being made or eliminated as a function of the cam disk (6).

Abstract: A high-pressure shaping system has a tool defining a cavity and having a bore extending along an axis and opening into the cavity which is adapted to receive a workpiece which can be internally pressurized to expand and engage against inner surfaces of the cavity. A punch extending along the axis has an axially inwardly directed inner end displaceable between an inner position generally flush with the cavity inner surface and an outer position spaced axially outward of the cavity inner surface. A spring unit braced axially inward against the punch and axially outward against the tool has a spring characteristic with a high force/displacement ratio up to a break point and a low force/displacement ratio after the break point for urging the punch inward into the inner position.

Abstract: A method for forming a hub having blind bore with an elevated blind bore face is provided. The blind bore face is elevated relative to the upper surface of an annular disc from which the hub is integrally formed, by first displacing metal radially inward from the upper surface toward the center of the disc to form an elevated surface with a hole therethrough, and second displacing metal radially inward, again from the upper surface toward the center of the disk, to form a hub which incorporates a blind bore having an elevated surface. A blind bore hub formed by the foregoing method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a hub having blind bore is provided. The blind bore hub is formed integrally with a solid circular disc by displacing metal radially inward from the upper surface toward the center of the disc to form a hub, and then punching a bore opening through the center of the hub to provide a blind bore therein. A blind bore hub formed by the foregoing method is also provided.

Abstract: A rolling unit for a rolling mill for rolling or sizing metal pipes, bars or wires has at least three rolls arranged in a star arrangement. Each roll has a separate drive mechanism and bearings on both sides of the roll. The rolls are adjustable radially with the bearings. A higher load can be borne with smaller outer dimensions. Furthermore the number of individual parts of the rolling unit is reduced as well as manufacturing and assembly expenses for the rolling unit. For this purpose the bearings of the roll shafts are mounted in respective eccentric sleeves, whose rotational position is continuously changed by means of an adjusting device. A securing device is provided however to fix the rolls in one rotational position.

Abstract: A modular endforming mechanism for modifying an end of a thin-walled malleable tube is herein disclosed. The modular endformer comprises a gripping module having a collet means for grasping a tube inserted into the gripping module. The gripping module may be coupled to one of an expansion module and a reducing/flaring modular. The expansion module is constructed and arranged to actuate a sizing mandrel, which is inserted into the interior of the end of a tube to expand the diameter of the end of that tube. A forming insert works in conjunction with the sizing mandrel to limit the expansion of the tube diameter under the influence of the sizing mandrel.