Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to facilitate deflection of the catheters as they are advanced through the vasculature to a desired treatment site. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer, more accurate steering of the catheter through the vasculature.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a forming method and a forming machine in which in forming e.g., a round steel pipe, predetermined forming can be performed with less additional deformation imparted to a workpiece without deteriorating the productivity of the conventional roll forming, thereby manufacturing a high-quality product with high dimension precision. To achieve this object, the present invention provides a forming method and a forming machine, which adopt a rotating unit which rotatably moves on an endless track a die train having dies with outwardly directed and swingable forming passes in a breakdown step at an early forming stage, and in which the forming pass of each die holds the edge of the workpiece to rotatably move the die by changing the die to a predetermined angle, thereby realizing bending, so that problems due to twisting onto forming rolls and high locally-caused contact stress can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A forming apparatus and method for forming a sectional profile of round tubing, angled tubing or open forming stock without losing the manufacturability of conventional roll forming The forming apparatus comprises individual shoe blocks having a pass on their rotating curved faces. The shoe blocks can be moved in the circumferential direction on an endless track, and are connected to provide the same curvature radius and length as a required arc segment of a virtual large-diameter circle.

Abstract: A forming machine for forming a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile and methods encompassing the steps inherent in the described mechanical structures and operation thereof. The forming machine includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a plurality of forming elements, and an edge guide mechanism. The edge guide mechanism applies pressure along the edge margin in a lateral direction, thereby following the edge margin as the strip is advanced through the machine. The edge guide includes a carriage assembly attached to the frame that comprises a carriage support frame and a carriage movably disposed thereon. The edge guide mechanism includes an actuator connected to the carriage that is operative to urge the carriage toward edge margin. At least one guide roller is mounted to the carriage and adapted to receive the edge margin of the strip.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide an efficient, general use shaping technique for forming high strength sheet metal into a three-dimensionally complicated shape. Further, the present invention provides a working apparatus for shaping sheet metal comprising a die (also called a “punch”) which has a shape suitable for a shape of shaped sheet metal, a plurality of rolls which grip sheet metal (H) with the die to shape the sheet metal, roll movement mechanisms which makes the rolls independently move in a horizontal direction and make them independently ascend or descend in a vertical direction, and a roll angle setting mechanism which can change an angle by which the rolls are pressed against the die.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bending roller apparatus and methods for use thereof for repairing a control arm of automotive suspension. An example apparatus includes a base having a saddle supporting a matrix to which the control arm is removably affixed. The matrix provides longitudinal and lateral movements and rotation of the control arm in a horizontal plane. The apparatus includes a matrix position calibration means for calibrating longitudinal, lateral and rotary positions of the matrix. The apparatus includes a bending roller positioning means for calibrating vertical and longitudinal positions of a bending roller to bring the bending roller in a contact with the upward-extending flange. The apparatus further includes bending roller means for bending the upward-extending flange inwards by rolling the bending roller along the circumference of the flange while applying a downward force on the flange thereby bending it inwards and sealing off the ball stud in the receptacle.

Abstract: A profiling arrangement for the longitudinal shaping of a metal band or starting profile into a profile or tube is provided, and includes a plurality of shaping stations 10 that are arranged in a line one behind the other and in each of which a group of roller shaping tools is assembled and are run through in succession by the metal band or starting profile, as well as with a machine substructure on which the shaping stations are mounted. In addition, on or next to the machine substructure, there are linear guides with driven carriages that can move in and against a direction of motion of the metal band or profile for the holding of tools, manipulators, and the like acting on the profile.

Abstract: An internal tool for bending a strip passing in a strip-travel direction into a tube has a support juxtaposable with a face of the passing strip, at least two roller holders pivotal on the support about respective offset holder pivot axes generally parallel to the strip-travel direction, and respective rollers carried in the holders and rotatable about respective roller axes generally perpendicular to the respective holder axes.

Abstract: A roll former has a plurality of paired die assemblies spaced apart across a midline of the roll former, and a web of material is fed through the roll former along the midline for operations by the die assemblies. The spacing between each pair of die assemblies is uniformly adjustable by way of mounting the die assemblies on collector plates movable toward and away from each other by linear actuators such as jack screws. Smoothness of movement is enhanced by supporting the collector plates only on the linear actuators. Precision of positioning is enhanced by using jack screws as the linear actuators.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling flare in roll-forming processes are disclosed. An example method involves predefining a plurality of position values to adjust a tilt angle of a flange roller and adjusting the tilt angle of the flange roller based on one of the pre-defined position values to change an amount of flare in a zone of a component. The one of the pre-defined position values is associated with the zone of the component.

Abstract: A helical cord having an elliptical shape and the like is manufactured so that a length-to-width ratio or a dimension of a shaped form of the cord to be shaped in a longitudinal direction can be changed. A cord (C) is sequentially passed through through holes (21H, 22H) of stationary and movable shaping bodies (21, 22) opposing each other of a shaping device (20). At that time, the movable shaping body (22) is moved along the stationary shaping body (21) by a moving device so that the through holes (21H, 22H) become eccentric with respect to each other, and the cord (C) passing between the eccentric through holes (21H, 22H) is bent and deformed so as to be shaped.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to improved spacers for insulated glass units. Certain example embodiments relate to corrugated spacers that extend around a periphery of an IG unit. In certain example embodiments, the spacer includes at least one structured concave cavity. When positioned in conjunction with a substrate, the cavity may be filled with a sealant. In certain example embodiments, the sealant may be a thermoplastic sealant. In certain example embodiments, another cavity may be provided that may accept a structural sealant. In certain example embodiments, the thickness of the corrugated faces of a spacer may be less than the thickness of the shoulders of spacer.

Abstract: A forming machine for forming a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile and methods encompassing the steps inherent in the described mechanical structures and operation thereof. The forming machine includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a plurality of forming elements, and an edge guide mechanism. The edge guide mechanism applies pressure along the edge margin in a lateral direction, thereby following the edge margin as the strip is advanced through the machine. The edge guide includes a carriage assembly attached to the frame that comprises a carriage support frame and a carriage movably disposed thereon. The edge guide mechanism includes an actuator connected to the carriage that is operative to urge the carriage toward edge margin. At least one guide roller is mounted to the carriage and adapted to receive the edge margin of the strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a duct includes a bending apparatus and a support apparatus. The bending apparatus includes a table, a cut off beam, and a leaf hinged to a forward edge of the table. The cut off beam is movable toward and away from the table to clamp or release a metal web being fed forward across the table and the leaf. The cut off beam repeatedly clamps the metal web to the table while the leaf pivots toward the cut off beam to form a duct section. The support apparatus includes a cross rod movable along pivoting support arms. As the metal web is bent to form the duct section, the support arms and the cross rod are moved to internally support the duct section.

Abstract: A device and method for guiding a metal strip in the vicinity of a coiler. The device includes a support frame, which at its first end is rotatably supported about a second axis of rotation relative to a fixed structure and supports a guide table and at its second end, i.e., the end that lies opposite the first end, is rotatably connected with a swivel frame about a first axis of rotation. The swivel arm supports a first guide table at its end that lies opposite the first axis of rotation. Both the support frame and the swivel frame are controlled by their own associated actuators and are suitably positioned according to the desired operating position.

Abstract: A flange-forming apparatus allows a user to automatically adjust the device's roll forming stations, concurrently together, for changing the height of a flange formed into a metal web by the roll forming stations, e.g., for ductwork. The height is adjustable within an infinite range between set maximum and minimum limits. Each roll forming station includes upper and lower roll forming pairs, which cooperate for forming the flange or portion thereof. Each roll forming pair includes a first roll forming portion, and a second, coaxial roll forming portion that is axially moveable towards and away from the first roll forming portion. (The portions are in effect a laterally split roll forming die.) The second roll forming portions are rotatably supported on a plate-like adjustment linkage assembly, which can be shifted, using an array of motor driven screw members, towards or away from the first roll forming portions.

Abstract: A bumper cross member for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a first chamber located in driving direction at the front and a second chamber located in driving direction behind the first chamber. The first and the second chamber are embodied as hollow sheet metal profiles and the first chamber has a higher deformability than the second chamber.

Abstract: An energy absorbing beam structure has controlled crush characteristics. The beam is an elongated structure in which at least a portion of the length of the beam is configured so that a cross section taken transverse to the length of the beam defines a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first hollow flange projecting from the first sidewall and a second hollow flange projecting from the second sidewall together with a front wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The beam may be configured to define an open or closed tubular structure and may define one or more central lobes. In an impact condition the beam crushes in a reliable and controlled manner so as to absorb a large amount of kinetic energy. Further disclosed are motor vehicles which include the energy absorbing beams as well as roll forming processes for fabricating the beams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an optical cable comprising at least one metal tube housing at least one optical fiber and having a predetermined excess fiber length (EFL) is described. In this method the metal tube is plastically deformed and shortened by a predetermined amount (St) greater than the predetermined EFL and is plastically deformed after shortening to provide a controlled elongation thereof so as to reach the predetermined excess fiber length. An optical cable so manufactured has a local excess fiber length (EFL) varying of or less than 0.2 % along the longitudinal extension of the cable with respect to an average EFL of the cable.

Abstract: A reinforcement beam for a vehicle bumper system comprises a single sheet deformed to define first and second tubes sharing a common single center wall. A channel rib is formed on each tubes and a crevice rib over the center leg forms a third rib. Edges of the sheet are deformed to a radius so that their surface consistently engages an associated radiused corner formed on ends of the center leg, which facilitates consistent abutting line engagement of material surfaces, and thus facilitates consistent welding. In a preferred beam, front wall sections of each tube are coplanar and form a face of the beam, with each channel rib and crevice rib providing added stiffness to the beam, and yet nothing extends forward of the coplanar front wall sections. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An elongated strap member that is coiled in a box and is bent lengthwise as it is drawn out of the box, providing an economical, light, compact means of connecting multiple structural members without sagging or other disadvantageous deformations between the structural members. The structural members are bridged by strap member. The end of the strap member is bent over.

Abstract: A flashing bender system for bending flashing at a selectable range of angles. The flashing bender system includes a first bending tool and a second bending tool. The first bending tool is arranged to bend flashing to an angle of about 90° and the second bending tool is arranged to bend flashing at a selectable range of pitches. The flashing bender system may include either or both of the first bending tool and the second bending tool. The flashing bender system allows a user to bend flashing of a range of sizes at a range of angles over an unlimited length. Each of the bending tools includes a plurality of starter slots and angling channels.

Abstract: A method of producing a flat tube T by bending a band-like material M to be worked, wherein the material M to be worked is pre-bent to form a pre-formed groove Md in the material M along the longitudinal center axis thereof. Thereafter, the material M to be worked is gradually moved so that both edge portions of the material M to be worked in the lengthwise direction thereof gradually approach each other with the pre-formed groove Md as a center to form a tubular shape.

Abstract: A method of roll forming a metal plate with a desired bend. The method includes a first step of providing a roll press having at least a first and second set of bending rollers; a second step of positioning a lead end of the metal plate past the first set of bending rollers prior to the first set of bending rollers applying a bending force to the metal plate; a third step of applying a bending force with the first set of bending rollers to the metal plate at a point behind the lead end; and a fourth step of moving the lead end of the metal plate past the second set of bending rollers prior to the second set of bending rollers applying a bending force.

Abstract: A helical cord having an elliptical shape and the like is manufactured so that a length-to-width ratio or a dimension of a shaped form of the cord to be shaped in a longitudinal direction can be changed. A cord (C) is sequentially passed through through holes (21H, 22H) of stationary and movable shaping bodies (21, 22) opposing each other of a shaping device (20). At that time, the movable shaping body (22) is moved along the stationary shaping body (21) by a moving device so that the through holes (21H, 22H) become eccentric with respect to each other, and the cord (C) passing between the eccentric through holes (21H, 22H) is bent and deformed so as to be shaped.

Abstract: An energy absorbing beam structure has controlled crush characteristics. The beam is an elongated structure in which at least a portion of the length of the beam is configured so that a cross section taken transverse to the length of the beam defines a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first hollow flange projecting from the first sidewall and a second hollow flange projecting from the second sidewall together with a front wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The beam may be configured to define an open or closed tubular structure and may define one or more central lobes. In an impact condition the beam crushes in a reliable and controlled manner so as to absorb a large amount of kinetic energy. Further disclosed are motor vehicles which include the energy absorbing beams as well as roll forming processes for fabricating the beams.

Abstract: A material 1A to be formed, which is uncoiled by an uncoiler 40 from a coil 1B while controlled against meandering, is adjusted in inclination angle by an approach angle adjuster 50 and guided into a separator-forming mill 60. The material to be formed is introduced and pressurized between rolls in the mill 60 so as to continuously form a separator 1. The separator 1 formed by the mill 60 is discharged and tension controlled by a pinch roll device 70 with opposite widthwise ends of the separator being pinched. The separator 1 discharged by the pinch roll device is cut without stopping the same by a flying shear 80 at portions with no passages formed.

Abstract: In a water diversion system, in a preferred embodiment, a first fold of a deflector is disposed into a first hanger cavity and a second deflector fold is disposed into a second hanger cavity. The first fold of the deflector cooperates with the first cavity of the hanger to allow a resistance hinge-like action of the deflector. The deflector may be lifted open by compression of a curve of the deflector to remove the second fold of the deflector from the second hanger cavity. Methods are provided in which, in a preferred embodiment, a deflector-forming machine is disposed above a trough-forming machine and the deflector-forming machine is moveable forward and backward relative to the trough-forming machine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for guiding a metal strip 200 in the vicinity of a coiler and a method for operating a device of this type. The device of the invention comprises a support frame 160, which at its first end is rotatably supported about a second axis of rotation D2 relative to a fixed structure 400 and supports a guide table 120 and at its second end, i.e., the end that lies opposite the first end, is rotatably connected with a swivel frame 140 about a first axis of rotation. The swivel arm supports a first guide table at its end that lies opposite the first axis of rotation D1. Both the support frame 160 and the swivel frame 140 are controlled by their own associated actuators and are suitably positioned according to the desired operating position. It is advantageous that the device of the invention can be adjusted in an especially universal way, i.e., that it can be moved into many different operating positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an optical cable comprising at least one metal tube housing at least one optical fiber and having a predetermined excess fiber length (EFL) is described. In this method the metal tube is plastically deformed and shortened by a predetermined amount (St) greater than the predetermined EFL and is plastically deformed after shortening to provide a controlled elongation thereof so as to reach the predetermined excess fiber length. An optical cable so manufactured has a local excess fiber length (EFL) varying of or less than 0.2% along the longitudinal extension of the cable with respect to an average EFL of the cable.

Abstract: A roll forming machine for forming a rain gutter wherein an internal guide assembly uses rollers to contact the finished surface of the partially formed gutter.

Abstract: A method for forming a bumper beam includes providing an elongated piece of sheet metal having opposing end portions and an intermediate portion, bending the end portions with respect to the intermediate portion until the end portions are substantially perpendicular to the intermediate portion, bending a central section of the intermediate portion to form a protruding bulge in the intermediate portion after the bending the end portions, and bending side sections of the intermediate portion to move ends of the end portions adjacent to one another and adjacent to the protruding bulge after the bending the central section to from the bumper beam. The end portions form front walls of the bumper beam, the protruding bulge forms inner side walls and a web portion of the bumper beam, and the side sections form outer side walls and rear walls of the bumper beam.

Abstract: A device for applying an outer skin to an automotive frame. The device comprises at least one member formed from a preselected material and having a predetermined shape and a substantially U-shaped notch formed closely adjacent a first end of the at least one member. There is a tapered portion disposed on one predetermined face of the substantially U-shaped notch for engaging an outer portion of such outer skin and forcing such outer portion to turn down and engage such automotive door frame.

Abstract: An entry guide for a roll forming machine having fixed stop members for the different widths of sheet metal material which can be accommodated by the roll forming machine. The fixed stop members are offset in the vertical direction. Accordingly, when the roll forming machine is adapted to accommodate a different width of sheet metal material, there is no need to adjust the entry guide.

Abstract: A method of making Circular and Oval Flanged Rings, for the connection of thin walled circular and oval ducting, including Circular and Oval Flanged Rings having a Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) standard T24 Profile. Thin gauge Lock Form Quality steel, from 10 to 20 gauge, is cut into strips with the strip ends butt welded forming Flanged Ring Band Stock which is inserted and clamped into a Spinning Die. The Spinning Die is rotated by a horizontally configured lathe output shaft presenting the extended portion of the Flanged Ring Band Stock for machine tool forming. Standard machine tools are used to form the Flanged Ring Band Stock into a Circular Flanged Ring including the SMACNA T24 Flanged Ring Profile. A Circular Flanged Ring is cut along a diameter into Semi-circular Flanged Ring Portions; straight segments including segments with SMACNA T24 Linear Segments are roll formed, assembled into a oval shape within a fixture and welded forming the Oval Flanged Ring.

Abstract: A stencil-like plate with angled shapes cut through the plate surface. The plate is adapted to having a piece of flashing inserted perpendicularly into one of the angled shapes and pulled through the plate. A resulting elongated bend angle is formed in the pliable flashing strip.

Abstract: A die roll 3 comprises a core part 3a which is formed of an elastic material and faces a punch part 2a of a punch roll 2. The core part 3a presses a bottom portion 4b of a drawn portion 4a of a metal material 4 and is separate from a surrounding die part 3b and is provided with a space 3c at the whole outer periphery of the core part 3a. In accordance with the above configuration, swelling is suppressed at the bottom portion 4b of the drawn portion 4a and production of large wrinkles, which is a reason for folds, can be prevented by increase of pressing areas for preventing wrinkles at both sides of the drawn portion.

Abstract: A contour roll former capable of operating with different sets of pairs of roll forming heads depending on the type of extruded profile to be produced. The contour roll former includes pairs of heads mounted on carriages capable of sliding horizontally back and forth along a direction transverse to the forming line, so that it is possible to replace one set with another with minimum handling, requiring only horizontal movement of the carriages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively forming metal stud and track members from sheet material, the apparatus including a stud forming assembly capable of transforming the sheet material into a stud member as the material exits the stud forming assembly, and a track forming assembly capable of receiving the stud member as it exists the stud forming assembly and thereafter transforming the stud member into a track member. The track forming assembly is selectively moveable between an operative position wherein the track forming assembly is coupled to the stud forming assembly to receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly, and an inoperative position wherein the track forming assembly is positioned such that it cannot receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly. The apparatus may also include punch and shear mechanisms for performing various operations on the sheet material.

Abstract: A roll forming machine that can form material with a complex profile, such as a miter or coping, in the ends of the work piece is described. A length sensor provides information to a computer that monitors the amount of material being formed and a machining section is installed before the forming rollers. This allows the invention to cut the desired end profile before the material is roll formed into the final shape. Since the material is flat during the cutting operation, any of the standard cutting techniques known in the art, can be employed, such as shearing, punching or a CNC end mill.

Abstract: Apparatus for roll forming shaped members from sheet material has a primary powered section that roll forms along a primary pass line and a secondary powered section. The secondary powered section is coupled to and powered by the primary powered section, and roll forms along a secondary pass line that is separate from the primary pass line. The secondary powered section is coupled to the primary powered section by a transmission that allows adjustment of the secondary pass line in translation in two directions and in rotation in two directions. The method of roll forming includes forming shaped members in sections with the apparatus.

Abstract: A method utilized in rolling up materials. In particular, the invention relates to method of rolling corrugated sheets of material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of rolling pre-formed corrugated sheets of thermoplastic based material. The present invention relates to a method of rolling sheets of thermoplastic material that comprises providing a pre-formed sheet of thermoplastic material, forming a plurality of corrugations on said pre-formed sheet of thermoplastic material; wherein the corrugated shape is made up of inwardly and outwardly extending undulations, rolling the corrugated sheet of thermoplastic material from a first end to a second end; wherein the undulations of a first layer are nestable with the undulations of each subsequent layer of the pre-formed corrugated sheet thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A tool for reorienting a flange is disclosed. The tool reorients the flange from a first angle of orientation to a second angle of orientation and comprises a support member that further comprises a guide member; and a shoe maintained in a desired orientation by the support member. The shoe defines a reorienting surface, and the reorienting surface further comprising: a leading reorienting surface for progressively reorienting the flange to an intermediate angle of orientation between the first and second angles of orientation, and a trailing reorienting surface, the trailing reorienting surface being located proximate the guide member to define a reorienting gap therebetween, said reorienting gap adapted to permit passage of the flange therethrough, said flange being reoriented to the second angle as it exits the reorienting gap.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an arch is architectural panels including a drive section and an arching section. Each of the drive section and arching section have at least one roller and cooperating follower with the rollers being adapted to engage the underside of the panel with a groove in the followers accepting side legs of the panel. In a preferred embodiment, two cooperating followers float along a common shaft in association with each roller.

Abstract: Rollforming machines and methods for adjusting a forming roll for forming components from materials of different thicknesses. The rollforming machines and methods may also provide for overbending the component being rollformed.

Abstract: An opening tool is provided for separating an outer panel of a tailgate, decklid, door or the like from an interior panel in a repair process. The opening tool may work in conjunction with a closing tool which operates to re-secure the outer panel to the interior panel once the necessary repairs have been completed. The removal tool includes a mounting arm, a blade, a shoulder and optionally, a scratch resistor. The mounting arm may be adaptable to be mounted upon an air hammer. Upon removal of the outer door panel, the blade is wedged between the outer door panel and the interior door panel. The blade is integral to the mounting arm and the shoulder. As the blade travels along the hem flange in the removal process, the shoulder maintains the position of the blade as it separates the outer door panel from the interior door panel.

Abstract: The modular grill for vehicles such as trucks includes an elongated screen of generally rectangular configuration, with the longest dimension extending horizontally and with the screen having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of vertically spaced elongated tubular bars are provided which extend horizontally across the screen in surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the screen. A plurality of vertically spaced straps are provided, one for each tubular bar, with the straps being in surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the screen. Fastening means extend through the straps, screen and tubular bars for retaining the bars on the screen. A roll forming method is disclosed for making the tubular bar with an integral rolled locking system which extends the entire length thereof and holds the bar in tension. The bar is preferably sweep along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.

Abstract: A forming machine for receiving an elongated sheet of formable material to form a desired profile has a rigid framework supporting a sheet drive that includes a plurality of pairs of co-acting rollers to advance the sheet through the framework from an upstream entrance to a downstream exit. A drive assembly interconnects at least one roller in each of the pairs to rotatably drive the roller and advance the sheet in the downstream direction. Each of a plurality of carriage rails extends transversely along the framework and has first and second carriage mounts slideably disposed thereon. First and second tool rails are secured, respectively, to each of the first and second carriage mounts permitting the tooling rails to move laterally within the framework. Each tooling rail supports a plurality of forming elements defining at least two forming stations to bend the sheet as desired while it advances through the framework.

Abstract: A rollforming machine includes an apparatus for adjusting a forming roll for forming components from materials of different thicknesses. The rollforming machine further includes an apparatus structured and arranged for overbending the component being rollformed.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for automatically adjusting rollforming equipment to accommodate a range of different gauges of material such as sheet metal being formed. One rollforming roller (34) on each rollforming head (4A) is mounted on an eccentric so that a force supplied in the direction of material feed through the tooling rollers (33,34) will increase the tooling gap therebetween. An automatic gauge adjustor includes applying a source of substantially constant pressure sufficient to achieve the rollforming action against rotation about the eccentric while allowing movement of the rollforming roller also about the eccentric so that the roll will move against the pressure being provided in the direction of the material feed to accommodate the gauge of material within the working range set.