Abstract: An improved tube rotary draw bending apparatus for bending a tube having a bend die around which a bend in the tube is formed, a pressure die and means for maintaining a pre-programmed frictional profile of the interaction of the tube with the pressure die during the bending operation. Improved quality of the bent tube is consistently obtained.

Abstract: Improvements in pipe bending machines, constructed in a general frame with a die holder shaft that has on its perimeter a flat face and several concave faces angularly out of phase, which produces the bending of pipes, in conjunction with a top die with a displacement guided by means of a motorized device, carrying means for locking in working position.

Abstract: A rotary die pipe bending apparatus comprising a bend die mounted for rotation about a bending axis and a clamp die for clamping a pipe to the bend die. The clamp die holds the pipe to be bent as the bend die and the clamp die rotate about the bending axis. A pressure die directed against an outer surface of the pipe for restraining a portion of the pipe spaced away from the bend to be formed in the pipe. A reverse die engaged with an inner surface of the pipe at a location spaced away from the clamp and bend dies and near the pressure die for resisting the bowing of the pipe in back of the bend die and for avoiding the formation of an indentation at the end of the bend.

Abstract: A tube bending machine in which a tube detecting sensor detects an amount of bending a tube during the bending process and a controlling unit performs control so that the amount of bending detected by the sensor becomes a value corresponding to the program stored in a memory beforehand; thus, the second and subsequent tubes are bent accurately and efficiently by a drive command from the memory.

Abstract: Tube bending apparatus comprising a lower support carrying a mandrel having a bending groove providing a bend axis, and an upper support mounted on the lower support for rotation about the bend axis and carrying a forming member for urging a tube between the mandrel and forming member into the bending groove on rotation of the upper support relative to the lower support. The upper support is adapted to be rotated relative to the lower support through a drive shaft arrangement extending downwardly from the lower support and coupled with a drive unit having an output coupling coaxial with the drive shaft and transverse to the axis of the drive motor of the drive unit. A stand supports the bending apparatus and drive unit relative to an underlying support surface during operation of the bending apparatus.

Abstract: Tube bending apparatus comprising a lower support carrying a mandrel having a bending groove providing a bend axis, and an upper support mounted on the lower support for rotation about the bend axis and carrying a forming member for urging a tube between the mandrel and forming member into the bending groove on rotation of the upper support relative to the lower support. The upper support is adapted to be rotated relative to the lower support through a drive shaft arrangement extending downwardly from the lower support and coupled with a drive unit having an output coupling coaxial with the drive shaft and transverse to the axis of the drive motor of the drive unit. A stand supports the bending apparatus and drive unit relative to an underlying support surface during operation of the bending apparatus.

Abstract: A bend correction apparatus for bending a workpiece subject to springback, the apparatus having a pressure die for holding a workpiece, a radius die for providing a radius form about which the workpiece is bent, and a clamping die for engaging and bending the workpiece relative to the pressure die and about a portion of the radius die. A microprocessor moves the clamping die between a bend angle position in which the workpiece is bent about the radius die to a predetermined angle relative to the clamping die and a relieved position in which the clamping die is not bending the workpiece. A sensor, movable conjointly with the radius die, engages the workpiece in a springback position upon rotation of the radius die toward the workpiece and sends a signal to the microprocessor upon contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine has a bending template (10) around which a pipe (13) is bent. The bending template (10) is provided with a position sensor (32) that detects the bending path in dependence on the rotational position. A pushing device (17) engages the unbent portion (13a) of the pipe and urges the same towards said bending template (10). The pushing device (17) is provided with a position sensor (30). The position signals (PS1, PS2) of the two position sensors (32, 30) are compared in a control circuit (41) and an actuation signal (SS) is generated for controlling a pressure controller (42) to adjust the pressure of the drive (22) of the pushing device (17). The actuation signal (SS) is generated such that, in the case of equal position signals (PS1, PS2), the drive (22) of the pushing device (17) is supplied with a pressure that determines the upsetting force exerted on the pipe.

Abstract: A plate rolling apparatus, for rolling a plate to form a pipe which may be tapered, a gripper rib on the mandrel for receiving the edge of a flat plate. The mandrel being mounted between support frame ends and on a single pressure roller mounted beneath the mandrel and adapted to contact the surface of the plate and apply a squeezing force against the plate and mandrel during a rolling operation, the pressure roll being laterally movable relative to the centerline of the mandrel depending upon the location of the gripper rib in the region of the roller so as not to foul the gripper rib yet applying said squeezing force to said plate as required. A mandrel having an adjustable taper angle is disclosed as an adjustable mandrel support member and mandrel journal to accommodate variable mandrel diameters and angles of taper.

Abstract: A method of applying various kinds of bending working accurately to a metal tube of a small diameter to be worked, which comprises seizing one end of a metal tube to be worked and setting a working direction, transferring the tube to a working position, applying predetermined bending by paired roller means, transferring the same to the succeeding step and applying the same working. Such operations are repeated as required. The apparatus employed for practicing the method comprises a chuck, a receiving roller and a bending roller and a control means for controlling the operation of them. Various kinds of bending working can be applied efficiently and accurately to a metal tube of a small diameter to be worked by a simple method and with an apparatus of a simple structure.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for metal pipe and tubing which includes an upright spindle assembly; a lower section mounted on the spindle assembly for rotational movement around the spindle, the lower section can be selectively moved around and engaged with the spindle assembly; an upper section which is rotatably mounted on the spindle assembly and removably connected to the lower section, the upper section includes a removable shoe bender; and a radius die positioned at the top of the spindle assembly and in pipe or tube engaging alignment with the shoe bender. The bending apparatus can be disassembled, and moved to a different work site, and reassembled by one person. The bending apparatus can bend pipe or tubing of one-half inch to two inch diameter and larger.

Abstract: The method of bending relatively thin wall tubing to form a tubular heat exchanger that has relatively tight bends with controlled wrinkles. For example, 1.75-inch outer diameter stainless steel tube may have a wall thickness of 0.035 inches and be bent using a controlled-wrinkle bend die to a 180.degree. bend having a centerline radius of 2.5 inches.

Abstract: A pipe bending die, in the shape of a cylinder, has a groove gouged out of its lateral surface and a cross section which is a semi-circle of a diameter equal to the diameter of the pipe to be bent. The base of the cylinder is bounded on one hand by a portion of logarithmic spiral defined in polar coordinates by the equation P=Poe-k.theta., bounded by the points .theta.=0 and .theta.=2.pi., and wherein Po and k are positive constants and, on the other hand, by a segment of straight line joining the points of the spiral for which .theta.=0 and .theta.=2.pi..

Abstract: A hand-held bending tool for conduits, tubes, rods, and the like is provided. The bending tool includes a bending matrix and a sliding shoe that during a bending process are movable relative to one another and each have a groove-like recess in which the tube that is to be bent is disposed. The recess of the bending matrix extends in a curved manner in conformity with the tube bending radius that is to be produced. The tool includes at least one support for the tube. The tube is embodied as an electric tool having a motor that rotatably drives the bending matrix via a reduction gear arrangement, with the flux of force during a bending process being self-contained.

Abstract: Portable manually-controlled pipe-bending machine designed for operation at three different speeds, consisting of a boxlike main body, which in its simplest form contains two gear assemblies i.e.: a speed reducer with cooperating gears mounted on three parallel axes, corresponding to three different speeds which are obtained by fitting a conventional handle or any other appropriate structure into a socket driving a gear shaft, and thus making the reduction gear rotate at the desired speed; and a transmission mechanism which is connected with the output gear of the speed reducer and which transmits to a gear train up to the final gear to turn the main driving shaft integral with it and mounting the bending member or matrix.

Abstract: Portable manually or motor-controlled pipe-bending minimachine which, in spite of its small size as compared with similar machines, is easier and handier to operate on site for the bending of pipes ranging 4 mm to 22 mm in diameter. The minimachine is provided with a reverse gear (53) and an intermediary device (50) built in the minimachine main body (11) which allows the engagement and automatic disengagement of the gear drive (40) transmitting rotary motion to the matrix-carrying shaft. Both the motor (90) and the manual control lever assembly (60) allowing alternate control of consecutive angular movements of matrix (16), can be easily and quickly mounted on the main body; and the countermatrix (24) is an interchangeable device to be mounted on a special support (20) allowing it to be appropriately positioned at the start of a bending operation.

Abstract: A portable pipe bending machine to bend pipes up to an angle of 180.degree., in the range of outside diameters from about 4 mm to 42 mm, and of thicknesses from about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. A main carrying structure (11) of a light alloy in the form of a parallelpiped box has a hollow base (12) and two superposed structural component parts (13, 14) wherein a mechanical transmission and drive system and control system are arranged. A cover (14) of the structure (11) has a protruding part (15) providing a support plane (15') as a supporting and sliding base of a rack (16) between parallel side guides for the positioning of a countermatrix die (31). From the cover emerges a main shaft (50) on which a matrix die (30) is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rack, the matrix die (30) having for at least about 180.degree. a pulley shape (30a) with a semicircular groove and a perimetral profile having a tangential extension (30b ) along a feeding direction of a pipe to be bent.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for monitoring the backspringing of an elongated deformable elongated element while the element is bend by winding around a forming component. The element is clamped in a section located forward of the bend to be made. After the bend is made, the front section of the element remains clamped while the back section of the element is released. The backspringing value is determine by means of a sensor which makes a measurement on the back section of the element. The backspringing value is detected during a rotation of the element and the forming component around the axis of the bend by detecting when the back section reaches a predetermined position. This process makes it possible to continue bending of the element after detecting the backspringing value.

Abstract: A bend arm is mounted on a base frame for turning movement. The bend arm is provided with a bend die and a work is clamped to the bend die by a clamp die. A drive arm is also mounted on the base frame for turning movement and is connected to the bend arm by a link. The bend arm is turned by the turn of the drive arm via the link and the work is bent by the turn of the bend arm on the model of the bend die. The distance from the center of turn of the drive arm to the connection point of the link to the drive arm is longer than that from the center of turn of the bend arm to the connection point of the link to the bend arm. Furthermore, the former distance is longer than the distance from the center of turn of the bend arm to the center of turn of the drive arm. Thus, the bend arm can be turned beyond 180.degree. by the turn of the drive arm by an angle less than 180.degree..

Abstract: A bend arm assembly pivotable about a given axis of a bending machine and including a clamp die mechanism with a clamp die for coaction witha rotary bend die for clamping a workpiece for bending, the bend arm assembly including the clamp die mechanism then pivoting through the desired bend angle, as a unit, about the axis of the bend die. The bend arm assembly includes a back plate, with first and second guide slots, with the clamp die assembly mounted on the end of a clamp die block, which has laterally protruding guide bolts extending into the guide slots. A cam plate is secured to the clamp die block in depending relation, and is provided with a cam slot. A hydraulic cylinder driven cam actuator arm assembly includes interconnected parallel arms, which pivot about an axis, which is pivotally coupled to the structure about which the bend die pivots, with a cam follower rod extending through the cam slot.

Abstract: A method of producing a marking on a pipe for identifying a location of an object to be mounted on the pipe includes forming the marking by a pipe bending machine in which the pipe is bent. For this purpose the pipe bending machine is provided with a marking device.

Abstract: A tube bending apparatus of the radius block and slide block type is provided with a one-way drive means for permitting selectable driven rotation of the radius block means thereof in the bending direction while preventing reverse driving. Interchangeable radius block and slide block means are provided to accommodate different size bend radii and tube diameter to be accommodated. The apparatus also includes slide block retainer means for accommodating different height slide blocks, as well as tube clamping means for accommodating different tube diameters. The slide block means may be marked with indicia for aiding in the gauging of center-to-center dimensional gain in finished 45 and 90 degree forward and reverse bends prior to forming the bends. A method for pre-gauging center-to-center dimensional gain of such bends is also described. A second embodiment of the tube bending apparatus includes radius block and slide block means having inclined concavities for forming radiused overlapping 360 degree bends.

Abstract: A pipe bender comprising a base block, a pipe feed mechanism mounted on the base block for feeding a pipe longitudinally thereof, and two pipe bending sections mounted on a common support frame connected to the base block to be reciprocable in directions perpendicular to the pipe. The bending sections each include a fixed die assembly and a clamp die assembly. The clamp die assemblies of the respective pipe bending sections are swingable in opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending single or multiple stacked flat sections of finned heat exchanger coil into a predetermined configuration having one, two or three generally 90 degree bends. The coil is moved along a support table to a bending station by a gripper mechanism engaged with the rear end of the coil. A portion of the coil forward of the position to be bent is clamped against an anvil by a clamping pad. A hold-down assembly prevents another portion of the coil rearward of the bend portion from raising off the support table as the anvil and clamping pad are rotated by a supporting spindle to bend the coil to the desired angle. The gripper mechanism is accelerated linearly forwardly in coordinated movement with the rotational acceleration of the spindle to prevent distortion of the coil fins by crowding material into the bend. The gripper mechanism is moved linearly along the support table by a controlled ball screw drive mechanism.

Abstract: A method of producing a marking on a pipe for identifying a location of an object to be mounted on the pipe includes forming the marking by a pipe bending machine in which the pipe is bent. For this purpose the pipe bending machine is provided with a marking device.

Abstract: Tube bending apparatus in which a tube is clamped between a U-shaped bend die and a cooperating pressure die, the pressure die being advanced in a linear direction as the bend die is rotated, a tube groove in each of the dies embracing diametrically opposite sides of the tube. The tube groove on the bend die is of generally U-shaped configuration having a semi-circular bend section and opposite sides extending in tangential directions to define tangential grooves along opposite sides of the bend die, the cross-sectional radii of curvature of the tube groove along the bend section and tangential sections are closely controlled to impart some temporary distortion to the tube which will resist wrinkling or collapse. Similarly, the tube groove on the pressure die has cross-sectional radii of curvature corresponding to those of the bend section of the bend die in order to cooperate with the bend die.

Abstract: A bend arm assembly pivotable about a given axis of a bending machine and including a clamp die mechanism with a clamp die for coaction with a rotary bend die for clamping a workpiece for bending, the bend arm assembly including the clamp die mechanism then pivoting through the desired bend angle, as a unit, about the axis of the bend die. The bend arm assembly includes a back plate, with first and second guide slots, with the clamp die assembly mounted on the end of a clamp die block, which has laterally protruding guide bolts extending into the guide slots. A cam plate is secured to the clamp die block in depending relation, and is provided with a cam slot. A hydraulic cylinder driven cam actuator arm assembly includes interconnected parallel arms, which pivot about an axis, which is pivotally coupled to the structure about which the bend die pivots, with a cam follower rod extending through the cam slot.

Abstract: An electric bend head for bending tubes includes a frame mounting a gear box housing with a rotatable main shaft extending through the housing. A secondary shaft coaxial of the main shaft is journaled within the housing and projects therefrom. A rotatable worm gear within the housing is coaxially mounted upon the secondary shaft and a worm drive gear is journaled upon the housing and in mesh with the worm gear. A variable speed reversible electric motor upon the frame has a main drive shaft, and a transmission interconnects the drive shaft and the worm drive gear. A secondary drive plate is mounted the secondary shaft and a main drive plate is spaced from the secondary plate and mounted upon the main shaft. A bend die of semicircular shape, having an outwardly opening channel, is axially mounted upon the main plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for bending structural metal rails, preferably rails for multi-glazed windows, and gives instructions for a bending unit (20) having two wringing heads (6) which can be displaced relative to the width of the rail, for in an open position to allow the infeed of rails (5) having various width, and in an attracted position to clamp a portion of the rail (5) for the bending thereof by turning the wringing heads (6).

Abstract: A drive mechanism for the bend arm of bending apparatus wherein a drive motor has the drive shaft thereof generally parallel to the axis of pivoting of the bend arm assembly, and along a line at an angle to the feed direction of a tube. The drive shaft is directly coupled to a bell crank having first and second generally perpendicular arms. A like bell crank arrangement is formed in the bend arm and is driveably coupled to the bend arm pivot shaft with the bend arm bell crank in aligned relation to the drive motor bell crank. First and second generally identical rigid noncompliant link arms have the first ends thereof pivotally coupled to the free ends of the arms of the bend arm bell crank, with the other end thereof pivotally coupled to the free ends of the drive motor bell crank. The link arms are generally L-shaped, with the distal ends of the short legs thereof coupled to the bend arm bell crank, one of the ends above the crank and one below the crank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe bending machine which for the purpose of increasing the freedom of bending operation, is provided with a stand which supports longitudinally extending flat supporting beam of a relatively low height. The forwardly projecting part of the supporting beam has a lateral extension supporting for rotation the bending table whose center axis of rotation is laterally offset relative to the side wall of the supporting beam. The bending table has a rotation symmetrical configuration and consists of an inner rotary sleeve which acts simultaneously as a cylinder for lifting a two piece bending die. The drive for the bending table, and the drives for sliding shoe cooperating with the bending die are arranged on the projecting part of the supporting beam in a single structural unit.

Abstract: A shaft is rotatably mounted to one end of a frame, and is provided with a work support and a bender arm. The bender arm is provided with a clamp means adapted to be moved radially of the work support. A bar-shaped material is tightly held by and between the work support and the clamp means, and the bender arm is turned on the rotatable shaft so that the material is bent along a recessed periphery of the work support while being supported thereby.

Abstract: A portable pipe-bending apparatus is electromechanically controlled to bend a pipe up to an angle of 180.degree. without providing any undesirable uneven stretching, also when the pipe is formed of a material which is particularly sensitive to stretching stresses. A driving motor-reducer is used which comprises a motor of low power and very high speed and a reduction gear with a very high reduction so as to rotate a semipulley main bending member, or matrix, having a peripheral semicircular groove. A second bending member, or countermatrix, faces the matrix and is supported by a supporting member which may be moved away or approached to the matrix at a distance in accordance with the diameter of the pipe to be bent.

Abstract: A tube bending machine is provided having a longitudinal base and a dual bend head. A carriage having a tube grasping collet is supported by a ball screw and a rotatable shaft, both of which lie longitudinally along the machine base. The ball screw extends through a nut fixed to the carriage and the rotatable shaft is drivably connected to the collet. The shaft is securable in two different positions to present a tube to the bend head for either right-hand or left-hand bending.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of rolling flat plate using a cylindrical mandrel and a plate gripper to form a pipe having a low pipe diameter to plate thickness ratio by forming a notch or recess in the plate edge to be gripped so that the combined radial dimension of the notched plate edge and gripper is no greater than the plate thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming rings that is particularly suited for forming plow rings from elongated lengths of stock having irregular cross sectional shape. A length of stock (12) is positioned against a mandrel (20), the end of the stock being pre-bent from a previous bending operation, with the free end of the stock extending beyond the mandrel. A movable bending element (24) is brought into contact with the stock opposite the point of contact with the mandrel, and advanced around the mandrel partially bending the stock. A clamp (82) clamps the partially bent stock against the mandrel and a cutter (98) then cuts the stock, leaving a partial bend in the newly formed free end of the stock, the cut portion of stock being clamped to the mandrel. The length of stock is moved away from the mandrel so that the bending of the cut portion around the mandrel can be completed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tube bending machine with a rotatable die having a tubing clamp associated therewith and a stationary wiper block to bend a tubing work piece around the die as it rotates. The wiper block and tubing clamp are placed into and locked in operative position with similar toggle linkages which are adjustable to accommodate different bending dies and wiper blocks. The die is rotated by a fluid pressure linear actuator chain driving a sprocket secured to a common shaft with the die; the chain is pinned at one end to the sprocket and the sprocket has a torsion spring connected thereto applying tension to the chain and causing the die to return when the actuator moves to slacken the chain. An adjustable stop limits the travel of the actuator shaft and a pointer which moves with the stop reads against a scale to directly indicate degree of bend.

Abstract: A method for constant-measure feed of rod materials comprising a process for bringing a feed member fixed to conveyor into contact with the rear ends of rod materials and conveying the rod materials together with the feed member along guide by the conveyor, a process for causing the forward ends of the rod materials to abut against a movable stopper disposed in a normal position and further conveying the rod materials while holding the rod materials between the stopper and the feed member, and a process for sensing a movement of the stopper for a given distance from the normal position and stopping the conveying operation of the conveyor.

Abstract: A rotary pipe bending machine employs two sets of bending dies for making either right-hand or left-hand bends about a horizontal axis. A pipe handling carriage having a laterally offset chuck is slidably mounted along a track to longitudinally and rotationally position pipe with respect to the machine bending head. The track is pivotally mounted for 180.degree. of rotation about an axis extending longitudinally through the track so that the chuck can be positioned on one side or the other of the longitudinal machine center line. This enables the chuck to position a pipe to be bent by the die set on either side of the machine.

Abstract: A spacer for double- and multi-paned windows, e.g. insulating windows in which at least two panes of transparent material, e.g. glass, are spaced apart by a peripheral spacer so as to constitute an insulating window structure, comprises a spacer which is constituted as a frame from hollow profile members along whose both lateral outer faces the glass panes lie. The inwardly disposed profile walls are substantially planar and the interior of the frame can be filled with a drying agent capable of absorbing moisture or preventing penetration of moisture. The spacer is constituted from a plurality of extrusion-pressed profiled tubes which in the region of the frame corners are bent and are connected at least at one location, to a straight frame side along the side intermediate the bent corners, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the assembly to the penetration of moisture into the space between the panes.

Abstract: In each cycle of a sequence of repetitive cycles a longitudinal section of an elongated, continuous piece of material spaced from the free end of the piece is draped about an arcuate face of a mandrel by a bending tool moving about the axis of curvature of the mandrel face, and the free end of the piece is thereby engaged with the arcuate face of another mandrel and secured to the other mandrel, whereupon the section draped over the first mandrel is cut. The central portion of the blank severed thereby from the continuous piece is draped over the second mandrel bent into a ring, the curvature of the leading and trailing blank portion, being due to previous draping over the first mandrel.

Abstract: A clamping die assembly comprises a rotatable platen having first and second die members mounted thereon for rotation therewith. The second die member is adapted to reciprocate on the platen to engage the first die member to clamp a tube therebetween. A rearward end of the tube is fixedly held and the platen is rotated to wrap the tube around a die cavity formed in the first die member. A pin is reciprocally mounted on the first die member, adjacent to and below the die cavity, to support the tube prior to clamping of the tube between the die members. A coil spring normally biases the pin to an extended position to support the tube and compresses upon clamping of the die members together whereby the pin is retracted within the confines of the first die member.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming cylindrical spacers from metal blanks includes a base plate mountable upon a support with a series of spaced uprights upon the base plate. A die bar spans and is secured to said uprights. A bending roll shaft is arranged parallel to and spaced from said die bar and is rotatively journalled upon said uprights. The roll shaft has an elongated slot adapted to supportably receive the edge of one or more blanks to be formed. A rotative drive is connected to said roll shaft whereby said blank is guidably interposed between the roll shaft and die bar and adapted to wrap around the roll shaft during rotation thereof. Provision is made for stripping the formed spacers from the roll shaft. The method of forming cylindrical spacers from flat metal blanks comprises the steps of rotatively mounting a slotted bending roll shaft upon a horizontal axis and assembling and interlocking the lower edge of one or more blanks down into the roll bar slot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing bent filaments for incandescent lamps, a core-free filament is seized by its ends. The front end is moved around a mandril which is driven in accordance with the filament bending speed, while the rear end of the filament is moved in a straight line in the direction of the original filament axis.

Abstract: An electric driven portable conduit bender provided with a bending shoe which is rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis and including a roller support unit mounted on the bender frame and retained with a quick-release pin. The rollers in the roller support unit are rotated to match the size of conduit.