Including Non-cylindrical Core Patents (Class 72/139)
  • Patent number: 11701699
    Abstract: A helicoidal blade system is presented having an armature to facilitate bending of metal stock to form helicoidal blades. In one or more embodiments, the armature has an exterior surface that is generally conical in shape and includes a guide structure and an engagement track. The helicoidal blade system also includes drive coupler and motor that are operably coupled together. The drive coupler is configured to engage the engagement track of the conical armature and rotate the conical armature when the motor is operated. A blade metal feed apparatus is configured to feed the metal stock into the helical shaped guide structure as the conical armature is rotated. As the conical armature is rotated, the metal stock is bent around the armature within the helical shaped guide structure to form one or more helicoidal blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Horace Thompson
  • Patent number: 10052677
    Abstract: A spring forming device in which the steel wire can be continuously cut off without stopping the feeding of the steel wire in cutting, and in which the steel wire can be uniformly heated, is provided. The spring forming device has a wire supplying mechanism for supplying a steel wire using a plurality of feeding rollers, a heating mechanism for heating the steel wire, a coiling mechanism for forming in a coil state the heated steel wire, and a cutting mechanism for cutting the steel wire coiled at a given number of turns off the steel wire remained backward. A cutting blade of the cutting mechanism follows tracks having a speed Va that moves to the receiving blade and a speed Vc that moves in an axial direction of the coiled steel wire, in cutting of the steel wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keita Takahashi, Tohru Shiraishi, Yuichiro Ono, Kaoru Nagasawa
  • Publication number: 20140311204
    Abstract: A spring winding machine that manufactures helical springs by spring winding includes a feed device that feeds wire to a shaping device, wherein the shaping device has a winding tool and a pitch die; a cutting device that separates a finished helical spring from the wire after termination of shaping, wherein the cutting device has a cutting tool which, by a drive system, can be moved along a predefinable closed trajectory; a control device that controls the feed device, the shaping device and the cutting device on the basis of an NC control program; and a programmable trajectory-setting system that sets the shape and/or position of the trajectory to be passed through by the cutting tool, wherein a trajectory which is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry and has a predefinable ratio of height to width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: WAFIOS AG
    Inventor: Andreas Sigg
  • Patent number: 7198068
    Abstract: A pigtailing machine includes a B forming head and a support pedestal secured to a cassette base. The cassette base is located upon a base which mounts the A forming head to provide for a relatively quick changeover should another double pigtail coil spring need be manufactured. By fixing the forming head and the support pedestal to the cassette base alignment and proper manufacture of the spring is assured. Alternatively, the A forming head is also mounted to the cassette base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Meritor Suspension Systems Co.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul Dixon, Wayne Frederick James Couch, Martin John Seeds, Thomas Marvin Sine, Oscar Gaetan, Terrence Joseph Nova
  • Patent number: 5442945
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing helical springs that are curved when unstressed from wire or rod heated to coiling temperature in one step. The spring is coiled on a mandrel that is curved to match the desired curvature of the finished spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Fried. Krupp AG Hoesch-Krupp
    Inventor: Hans Vondracek
  • Patent number: 5088192
    Abstract: The heat exchanger is made up of a shell having a coaxial tubular outer and inner wall with end plates attached thereto to enclose a tubular shell cavity provided with an inlet and outlet for a first fluid. Within the shell cavity is a spiral coil of tubing through which flows a second fluid. The coil is wound helically about the axis of the shell and sized to fit the inner and outer walls with limited radial clearance. The coils are axially spaced from one another to define a spiral flow path within the shell cavity for the fluids to first flow. The radial and axial clearance establish a spiral flow path and an axial flow path which are relatively sized to cause the first fluid to travel in a spiral motion, thereby enhancing heat transfer between the first and second fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Aqua Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack C. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 4967580
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for making a double-coned coil spring, which comprises using a semi-finished spring having formed upon one end thereof a first conically wound portion with the rest of the wound portion extending axially with a constant maximum diameter, and forming a second conically wound portion upon the free end of the cylindrically wound portion; wherein the cylindrically wound portion is clamped at the site from which formation of the second conically wound portion is to be started by means of a first clamping means, and the open end of the cylindrically wound portion is also clamped by means of a second clamping means; and the second clamping means is allowed to rotate in the direction of winding the semi-finished spring, while the second clamping means is forced to be moved radially inwardly toward the center of the semi-finished spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Morita Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motoo Morita
  • Patent number: 4945744
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a barrel coil spring. The apparatus according to the invention has a rotatable head, and clamping device to attach an end of the coil spring to the rotatable head, a forming die head with at least one forming die which may be inserted between adjacent coils of the spring near the second end such that a forming die bears against an inner surface of a coil, a first rotating device to rotate the head in a first direction about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the coil spring, and a second rotating device to rotate the forming die head in a second direction, opposite to that of the first direction, about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Rockwell International Suspension Systems Company
    Inventor: Gerold Lienert
  • Patent number: 4870742
    Abstract: A coil winding machine for winding a bar type conductor into a coil. The conductor is withdrawn from a reel by a feeding mechanism and passes through a straightening mechanism which also positions the conductor in both a horizontal plane of reference and a vertical plane of reference which is maintained while the conductor is progressing through the machine. An encoder measures the length of the conductor as it passes by and when the required length is measured the cut-off mechanism is actuated to cut the conductor. The conductor moves a taping assembly that applies insulating tape to both edges of the conductor for insulating adjacent turns from each other in the completed coil. A bending mechanism then bends the leading end of the conductor at an angle to the length of the conductor to form a terminal for the coil. This bent end is then clamped to the mandrel. As the mandrel is rotated it is also moved axially to wind the conductor about it in a helical path to form the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Cooper Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick W. Roloff
  • Patent number: 4682394
    Abstract: A bedding foundation box spring having novel double twist coil springs interconnecting a wooden base frame and a top wire grid. The coil springs each comprise a single length of wire having a middle section located in a diametral plane of one end convolution of the spring and a pair of spring arms coiled in the same rotational direction from opposite ends of the middle section. Each of the spring arms is formed into a helix of varying pitch which terminates in a free end of the spring arm. The free ends of the two spring arms of each coil are located on opposite sides of the end convolution of the coil and are secured to the wire grid. The novel coils are manufactured by inserting a straight length of wire through a stationary pair of forming dies and a mandrel located between the dies. With the middle of the straight length of wire located in the mandrel, the mandrel is then simultaneously rotated and moved axially while the ends of the length of wire are pulled through the stationary forming dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wells, Angelo Serafini
  • Patent number: 4571973
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for producing a barrel-shaped coil spring, by forming a coil spring having a first pig tail at one end, with a second pig tail at the other end. The method comprises providing a winding jig having a spiral stepped portion suited for forming a desired second pit tail; inserting the winding jig into the other end of the coil spring; and providing a rotary spindle for modifying the other end of the coil spring axially and radially relative to the winding jig, thereby winding the other end of the coil spring around the winding jig to form the desired second pig tail. Apparatus for performing the method is disclosed which comprises a winding jig and a cooperative rotary spindle to provide the second pig tail on the coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Morita Iron Works Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Motoo Morita
  • Patent number: 4503695
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for the bending of laying tubes for wire-winding layering apparatuses, in which the molding body that determines the form of the laying tube runs essentially horizontally and is rotatably supported, such that a better manipulation of the highly heated laying tube is achieved during bending. The molding body also consists of two drums, one inserted into the other, the outer one of which has a lateral edge that matches the laying tube form desired and the two drums have a generated surface that matches the laying tube form desired. Together, they serve as the stop surfaces for the bending process. In this manner, the bending of the laying tubes is considerably simplified and a precise laying tube form is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Kocks Technik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Gunther
  • Patent number: 4440367
    Abstract: A barrier-type metal wire fabric which is substantially free of transverse passages while providing desired travel path flexibility is disclosed along with methods and means for its manufacture. Shaped wire with at least two diametrically opposed planar surfaces is helically wound with a planar surface confronting the working surface of the winding mandrel. Left-hand wound and right-hand wound spirals are assembled with individual loop portions of each being nested within the loops of its next adjacent oppositely-wound spiral. A connector rod inserted within longitudinally overlapping internal loop portions of such spirals provides for pivotal relative movement between adjacent spirals and desired travel path flexibility while the dimensional relationships and assembly taught substantially eliminate non-rotational relative movement between metal wire elements of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Maryland Wire Belts, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Daringer
  • Patent number: 4424695
    Abstract: An arrangement for producing double conical springs from heated rod-shaped material, in which one side of a conical-shaped spring is formed with a cylindrical end corresponding to the largest winding diameter. The end is then shaped to a conical form. After being transferred from a spring winding station to an end roll-in unit, the spring is clamped, and a shaping member is inserted radially into the spring, and moved against a stop. With the aid of a roll-in head, the cylindrical spring end is conically formed. After the shaping member is radially removed from the spring, the latter is released and transported to a hardening process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Estel Hoesch Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst Kirchhoff, Alfred Rander, Gunter Adolf
  • Patent number: 4199968
    Abstract: Band making apparatus comprising a mandrel on which is wound wire of U-shaped cross-section with relatively inverted portions alternating longitudinally of the axis of the mandrel having a side edge interengaged in the channel of the other, has a guide for guiding the wire onto the mandrel provided with a guiding surface which engages the external surface of a side of the wire incoming to the mandrel, and the wire and mandrel are relatively rotated about the axis of the mandrel and reciprocated longitudinally of that axis at a controlled speed ratio such that the back pressure of previously wound turns maintains the incoming wire side against the guiding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: Textron, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 4172375
    Abstract: Apparatus for guiding and coiling one or more metallic strands that are continuously advancing along their length from a casting apparatus. A coiling apparatus has an open-top coil-collecting basket with concentric, generally cylindrical inner and outer walls. A rotating cone is disposed over the inner wall. At least one boom and a set of opposed rolls and associated fairing assemblies mounted on the boom guide the strand from the casting apparatus to the coiling apparatus. An exit end of the boom directs each strand vertically downward onto the cone of one coiler. Friction between the strand and the cone lays the strand in the basket in horizontal wraps without a reversal of the laying direction or kinks. The boom exit end mounts a straightener that includes a pair of hydraulically-actuated slide bars that are orthogonal to each other and to the strand. The slide bars produce a cyclic deflection of the strand about the center of the cone to form a uniform, non-tangled coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: Kennecott Copper Corporation
    Inventors: Calvin Rushforth, George Shinopulos, M. Ronald Randlett, Terry F. Bower
  • Patent number: 4130003
    Abstract: In the automated manufacture of helical coils from sheet-metal blanks, each station of a rotatable set or carrousel of winding stations picks up a flat elongated blank from a stationary loader and securely grips and locks one end in an angled position against a slightly-tapered arbor whose subsequent rotation then causes the blank to become tightly wrapped helically about the arbor while retractable ironing plates stretch-form it and while a second locking mechanism positions the opposite end of the blank untl wrapping is completed. The single thrust of a shaped actuating rod causes a locking member to both position itself and move into a clamping relation with the one end of the blank and the arbor, and both the second locking mechanism and the ironing plates are of toggle-type constructions which enable them to hold securely until positively released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Inventor: Maxwell S. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4048826
    Abstract: The constructional parts have walls formed of elongated juxtaposed tubes, wound spirally about the axis of symmetry of the constructional parts and connected to each other. The tubes are bent to shape by a bending device having at least one bending flank or edge surface conformable to the predetermined 3-dimensional geometry of the part to be manufactured, with one end of each tube being fixed to the bending device and the other end being engaged in a clamping and adjusting device designed as a combined Cardan swivel joint. During bending, the clamping and adjusting device is utilized to continuously control the adjustment parameters of the tube being bent, about three mutually intersecting and perpendicular axes, in conformity with the predetermined three-dimensional geometry of the part, and the radial distance of the swivel joint from the axis of symmetry of the bending device is continuously controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1977
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm
    Inventors: Manfred Lechner, Volker Schirm, Heinrich Dettmann