Abstract: Apparatus for producing panel roofing includes a platform mounted on an elevating mechanism. A panel producing machine is mounted on a support stand which in turn rides on tracks along a length dimension of the platform. A decoiler for decoiling metal sheet stock fed into the machine also rides on tracks along the platform length. The machine is oriented to produce panels in a direction perpendicular to the platform length dimension. With the platform elevated to roof edge and its length dimension parallel to that edge, the panel producing machine and decoiler are moved along the platform following extrusion of each successive roofing panel. In a preferred embodiment, the machine can be pitched to match a pitch of the roof to facilitate panel production.

Abstract: The roll forming machine includes a base, a motor drive, a power transmission connected to the motor drive, a rafted roll form assembly including a raft plate and a plurality of vertically aligned power rotated longitudinally spaced pairs of complemental rolls, arranged in a set to successively and operatively receive and feed there between elongated strips of stock, and a gear train including a plurality of gears and a drive gear interconnecting the set of rolls. The transmission includes a drive shaft connected to a gear reduction box having a power rotated sleeve aligned with the drive gear of the gear train. In order to change the rafted roll form assembly including the raft plate and the set of complemental rolls carried by the raft plate to another roll form assembly for making another metal part, a quick disconnect structure is provided which includes a drive clutch on the drive gear of the gear train of the raft assembly.

Abstract: A roll forming machine comprising unitary upright members mounted on a support platform for housing a plurality of pairs of upper and lower rollers. Upper rollers are coupled with bearings mounted in vertically adjustable guide blocks to allow adjustment of the spacing between the rollers. A drive chain is coupled with the rollers and its serpentine winding reduces the resulting torsional forces exerted on the machine during forming operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a panel, preferably a panel having a base and two sidewalls extending from opposite sides of the base and having lateral flanges. The apparatus includes a frame having a series of sets of forming rollers for forming flat sheet metal into the panel. A partially formed panel rests on a pair of spaced base dies, with the sidewalls supported by two pairs of spaced support dies. A shearing blade is driven in a reciprocating motion between a raised position and a lowered position moving past the dies to shear the panel. Preferably, the cutting edge of the blade includes a series of concave serrations along its length, with each serration having an arc terminating in an apex at both ends. The pairs of support dies are removably mounted so that they may be replaced by other die pairs to provide support for different configurations of panel sidewalls and edge flanges. In addition, one of the pairs of support dies is laterally adjustable to accommodate panels of different widths.

Abstract: A roll forming machine for the production of metal siding for installation on a building. A metal strip is progressively shaped by upper and lower roll sets spaced along the roll machine to shape the strip edges. An auxiliary roll set assembly is detachably mounted on the roll forming machine frame and includes upper and lower roll sets which shape a central portion of the metal strip. Side plate members of the auxiliary roll set assembly rest on the roll machine frame members with frame cross members assuring alignment of the interchangeable assembly. Fasteners removably couple the assembly to the roll forming machine frame.

Abstract: A roller machine for profile cold bending includes a bearing framework with mounted supports, carrying power driven shape forming calibers.

Abstract: A roll former comprises a bed and at least one roll forming member mounted on the bed, each roll forming member comprising a stand, a support member pivotally mounted on the stand for rotation relative to the stand about a selected axis, a pair of shaping elements mounted on the support member shaped to modify the shape of a member such as a purlin passed in use therebetween, and locating means to locate the support member in a selected one of a plurality of available positions relative to the stand.

Abstract: To promote the forming performance of band material into pipes and to decrease the number of forming stages and changes of the forming rolls in the pipe mill, considering that it is superior when forming the band material into pipes of required diameters if the sectional shape of the band material is provided with a curved surface which changes its curvature continuously into the required diameter, we provide a curved roll surface of numerous curvatures changing continuously. In a continuous roll forming in accordance with the present invention, a forming roll having an approximate involute curve based upon a polygon comprising a plurality of sides is used. By using the conventional rolls in various combinations therewith in each stage of forming as a horizontal roll, side roll and upper intermediate roll or a cage roll, the number of stages of the forming roll can be reduced.

Abstract: A cold-forming method is disclosed for thinning localized, longitudinally extending portions of sheet metal by lateral shear deformation without any substantial longitudinal deformation. With such method, it is possible to produce elongated members which are thinned in zones of low stress and are thicker in zones of higher stress so as to provide high metal use efficiency. The method is performed by an apparatus including a rotating mandrel providing opposed conical surfaces and pressure rolls operable to apply forces substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the mandrel to cause a portion of the sheet metal to yield in shear to reduce the thickness of longitudinally extending portions of the sheet metal. The forces are applied in a plane normal to the length of the strip in order to avoid longitudinal elongation.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing a tube having helical grooves in its surface comprises a first drum, a flier having an axis intersecting the axis of the first drum at right angles therewith and rotatable around the first drum, and a second drum. One of the two drums serves as a pay-off drum for paying off a tube having straight grooves in its inner surface, while the other drum serves as a take-up drum for winding thereon the helically grooved tube obtained. At one side of the pay-off drum where the paid-off straight-grooved tube is to be transferred to the flier, a device is provided for preventing the torsion of the tube produced by the rotation of the flier from being transmitted toward the pay-off drum. A correcting device is provided between the flier and the take-up drum for remedying deformation of the helically grooved tube. With the rotation of the flier, the straight-grooved tube is twisted, whereby the straight grooves are deformed to helical grooves to afford a helically grooved tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming seam welded tubes in which the positions of cage rolls are adjusted in accordance with the thickness, substance and size of a material to be formed into a tube in a process for forming a tube blank for a seam-welded tube by using cage rolls.

Abstract: Paired roller carrying shafts of a roller forming machine are arranged in two side-by-side sets on a table normally supported on a fixed base but elevatable for 180.degree. rotation. Thus, either selected one of the two sets can be in operation, coupled to drive heads on the base, along one side of it, while the other set is idle, adjacent to the opposite side of the base for possible change of forming rollers. One end portion of every roller shaft is journaled in an outboard support that is near a side edge of the table; its opposite end portion is journaled in an inboard support near the longitudinal centerline of the table. To facilitate change of forming rollers, gears for connecting the upper and lower roller shaft of each pair are secured to their inboard end portions and the outboard supports are detachably mounted on the table.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a roll forming machine is provided having a plurality of sets of rotatable opposed drive rollers having parallel axes with each set of drive rollers including at least one forming edge. Each set of drive rollers also includes at least one rotatable forming roller opposite a forming edge and having its axis in a plane defined by the parallel axes of the set of drive rollers. The angle between the axes of the drive rollers and forming roller of each set is increased incrementally in successive sets. The contact surface of the drive roller defines a right circular cylindrical surface. The contact surface of the forming roller defines a frusto-conical surface and preferably a right circular cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A roll forming apparatus has an elevatable base that is moved up and down by an elevating mechanism. Carriages are movably mounted on the base on both sides of a forming pass line. Each carriage carries several side rolls that are disposed along the forming pass line. A pair of side roll position adjusting mechanisms are coupled to each carriage. The pair of side roll position adjusting mechanisms move a carriage back and forth to form the desired forming pass. An elevating mechanism is provided to move up and down the base so that the level and inclination of the forming pass line is set as desired.

Abstract: A roll stand used for a cold forming apparatus wherein a body of the roll stand has a slant surface on which a pair of non-driving rolls are installed so as to press sheet metal therebetween. The angle between the slant surface of the body and a base on which the body is installed is adjustable by rotating the body, thereby twisting the sheet metal.

Abstract: A mobile roll-forming machine for shaping of metal panels used, for example, in building construction, roofing and the like. The machine may be easily transported to the construction site for on-site formation of metal panels, and supports a roll of sheet metal from which the panels are to be formed. The machine (10) comprises a main frame (11) to which a metal roll-forming head assembly (13) is removably secured, whereby different head assemblies may be quickly and easily substituted on the main frame for forming different shapes in the metal panels. The head assembly (13) may also be elevated to an inclined position relative to the main frame for matching the pitch of a surface being covered with the metal panels, whereby the panels may be fed directly from the machine onto the surface. The machine further includes a shear blade (36) for cutting the metal panels to any desired length, and slicing wheels (68) for cutting the panels to desired width.

Abstract: A forming apparatus for shaping a workpiece made from malleable metal strip driven through the apparatus comprises a main frame on which are mounted driven bottom rollers for driving and supporting the workpiece through the apparatus and top rollers pressing the strip against the bottom rollers. The top rollers are mounted on side sub-frames which are traversible towards and away from the longitudinal center-line of the apparatus and which carry forming tools. The subframe may carry forming rollers mounted in cylindrical carriers which are themselves rotatably mounted end to end in support tubes extending parallel to said center-line and are rotationally adjustable independently of each other, for example to allow the amount of angular deformation of the strip to be adjusted without necessarily changing the forming tools. Bars provided to effect bending may be readily adjusted for size variation.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional bending apparatus is disclosed, wherein the entire length of the product is divided into a plurality of imaginary segments which are identified by detecting the continuously supplied length of an elongate material. The material is bent multi-directionally by a bending device including horizontal and vertical bending mechanisms and an axial twisting mechanism, which are individually actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material. Multi-dimensionally bent, continuously supplied material is cut into the length of the product by means of a cutting device also actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material, the cutting device including fixed and movable blade members which, during the cutting operation, are movable also in the direction in which the material is supplied.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional bending method and apparatus are disclosed, wherein the entire length of the product is divided into a plurality of imaginary segments which are identified by detecting the continuously supplied length of an elongate material. This material is bent multi-dimensionally by a bending device including horizontal and vertical bending mechanisms and an axial twisting mechanism having the respective actuators arranged remote from the movable elements of the mechanisms, and individually actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material. Multi-dimensionally bent, continuously supplied material is cut into the length of the product by means of a cutting device also actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material, and includes fixed and movable blade members which, during the cutting operation, and movable also in the direction in which the material is supplied.

Abstract: A tube mill for forming heat exchanger coolant tubes has a series of form rolls for rolling flat strip stock into a flat-sided tube with rounded longitudinal free edge portions. After rolling, the free edge portions are heated to a fusion temperature and pressed together between a pair of squeeze rolls to form a weld seam therebetween. The heating is performed by a high frequency induction coil which encircles both the tube and a guide for the free edge portions. The guide is located immediately upstream from the squeeze rolls.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a skelp into a rounded tubular form in the preparation of an electric resistance welded steel pipe. Different from conventional methods, the skelp is bent in the initial and intermediate forming stages within a limited region alone along the centerline thereof to have a U-shaped flower pattern. Thereafter, the edge portions of the bent skelp are bent in the upstream fin pass rolls to have a curvature of at least 80% of the final curvature with simultaneous overbending in the boundary regions on both sides of the side portions of the rounded skelp. Finally, the rounded skelp is pressed down in the direction to decrease the vertical diameter to bulge out in the transverse direction with simultaneous unbending the overbent portions into the final curvature.

Abstract: A roll forming apparatus for forming a flat strip material into a channel shape. This apparatus is composed of a first driving station, a second driving station, and at least two forming stations disposed between the both driving stations. Each driving station respectively contains a pair of driving rolls. The driving rolls of the second driving station is thus constructed to pull the strip at the higher speed than those of the first driving station. Therefore, to the portion of the strip between the first and second driving stations is applied a tensile stress while the strip is sent to the second driving station from the first driving station. At least two forming stations are disposed and respectively contain a pair of forming rolls which are rotated by the moving strip. At the same time, the strip is formed by the forming rolls. As the forming roll used in the present apparatus is a driven roll, maintenance such as adjusting the rotating speed of each station is not necessary.

Abstract: In a method of forming an electric welded steel tube, wherein a hot-rolled sheet is formed into a cylindrical shape, with the central portion thereof being lowered as the forming progresses, and thereafter, subjected to reduction in the circumferential direction of the tube by means of tandem type fin-pass rolls to be finished into the tube, the proper forming condition ranges capable of eliminating occurrence of edge waves in the tube seam edge portion and/or of cambers in the longitudinal direction of the tube by three forming conditions factors including the downhill value D.sub.H (downhill coefficient .eta.) of the hot-rolled sheet, the fin-pass total reduction R of the tandem type fin-pass rolls and the distribution of the fin-pass reduction (the distribution ratio .delta. of the first fin-pass reduction).

Abstract: There is proposed a process of continuously producing a catalyst plate, wherein a thin metal plate is formed by use of a blade with slits in the widthwise directions thereof, expanded in the longitudinal direction thereof into an expanded metal plate having formed therein meshes, the expanded metal plate thus formed is corrected in shape, degreased, thereafter, molten metal such as molen aluminum is sprayed onto the expanded metal plate to form roughened surfaces on the opposite sides of the expanded metal plate, further, a catalytic substance is deposited onto the roughened surfaces, thereafter, formed into a predetermined form, and shorn into pieces. There is proposed a pinch roll system having a tension roll, in which end portions in the widthwise direction are vertically movable so as to be used as a corrector for the expanded metal plate, and a stepping press system to be used as a former for the expanded metal plate.

Abstract: The roll-forming machine includes a series of roll-forming stands for shaping a flat workpiece into a desired configuration, a device for monitoring the positioning of the workpiece at the entry side of the roll-forming machine, and a control unit for sending signals to each roll-forming stand to effect transverse movement of the forming members according to a predetermined roll-forming pattern. The roll-forming stand may have either driven contoured rolls or nondriven forming rollers.

Abstract: In a roll forming machine having a base, a motor drive, a gear drive transmission connected to the motor drive and a plurality of vertically aligned longitudinally spaced pairs of complimental pass forming rolls of progressive different shapes respectively arranged in a longitudinal set to successively receive, feed and form therebetween an elongated strip of stock in a continuous operation. Gear means interconnect the transmission and forming rolls for rotation thereof in unison. A rotatable turret mount assembly is provided to support a plurality of radially extending preset sets of form roll tooling, with each set being adapted for a different form of final product. The turret mount assembly is adapted for selected limited rotation upon a longitudinal axis to rapidly place any one of the plurality of preset sets of tooling in its operational position.

Abstract: Flat metal strip of indeterminate length is apertured in a punch press having a flying die set to define a lengthwise succession of identical workpiece blanks connected by strap-like portions of the strip adjacent to its longitudinal edges. That press, each time it operates, makes two apertures that define respective end edges of a blank. The strip is pulled lengthwise through that press by roller forming apparatus which imparts a predetermined transverse profile to it and propels it through a flying shear press whereby each blank is severed from the rest of the strip. On a conveyor having two stretches bridged by the severed blank and moving faster than the strip the severed blank is carried to a folding press. There a ram rises from between the conveyor stretches, lifting the blank off of the conveyor and clamping it against a folding die.

Abstract: A strip-bending mill is assembled from a set of interchangeable stages, each stage imparting a particular curvature of the strip; a group of stages so assembled, stepwise bending a particularly wide strip or skelp into a tube. For bending a different width strip or skelp, a different group of stages is assembled, but usually including some of the previously used stages in different positions. None of the stages are adjustable. Particular simple construction features are able to be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a flat metal sheet into a panel having a central region of deep corrugations and a marginal edge which is either uncorrugated or has longitudinal or light traverse corrugations therein. A corrugation roll assembly forms the corrugated panel and a tension roll assembly pulls the panel through the corrugation roll assembly. A combination of cooperative corrugation roll sections and edge roll subassemblies are mounted on respective shafts with the edge roll subassembly providing a resilient gripping of an edge panel section in an angled channel region. This resilient gripping causes inward drawing of metal from the edge section into the corrugated central section to equalize the overall lengths of the respective sections.

Abstract: Panel forming apparatus for producing a curved panel from a straight panel disclosed has first and second pairs of wall-indenting dies (281, 282 and 283, 284) spaced from one another to receive therebetween each inclined sidewall portion of a straight panel. A hydraulic motor (M1) is coupled by a power train to rotate said first pair of wall-indenting dies. A hydraulic motor (M2) is coupled by a second power train to rotate the second pair of wall-indenting dies. A third pair of wall-indenting dies (121, 122) is located downstream of the first-mentioned pairs of dies to receive the intermediate wall portion of the panel between each of the third pairs and engage the intermediate wall portion of the panel after it has passed through the first-mentioned pairs of dies. A third hydraulic motor (M3) is coupled by a third power train to rotate the third pair of wall-indenting dies. A tank 301 and pumps (P1, P2) deliver fluid under pressure to the motors.

Abstract: A duct finishing machine is provided and consists of a duct holding frame that engages and holds a duct in a proper position, a power head carriage that pivotally attaches and locks the duct on the duct holding frame and a power head that moves along the power head carriage traveling an entire length of the duct for sealing a formed lock seam of the duct by rolling a flange down tight.

Abstract: A transition forming unit is provided for forming a strip of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration into a generally annular shaped cross-sectional configuration. The forming process is performed by a plurality of roll assemblies adjustably mounted on a pair of spaced longitudinally extending beams, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. The beams are adjustable in respect of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. A hold down assembly is provided for controlling the alignment of the U-shaped strip as it passes through the forming unit. The roll assemblies are mounted on each beam to absorb thrust loads produced during the forming process.

Abstract: Method and means for preforming the long edges of steel plate prior to manufacture into pipe by the U-O Process or the like by utilizing plate of a width exceeding that required for pipe of a given diameter by an amount at each edge having an excess at least equal to the width of the pipe. Roll-forming the plate to use the excess [at least equal to the width of the pipe. Roll-forming the plate to use the excess] width thereof as a lever arm to obtain a bend at the bitter edges of the pipe (edges required for pipe) of a radius required for the pipe and thereafter shearing the plate to form the bitter edges, followed by bevelling and polishing the bitter edges, and further roll-forming the edge area to complete the preform thereof.

Abstract: A machine for continuously punching, shearing and forming sheet material comprises a frame and punching, shearing, and forming stations. Rollers are provided for continuously feeding sheet material through the stations. A cam periodically engages the tools of the respective punching and shearing stations to actuate the respective punching and shearing operations and simultaneously to advance the respective punching and shearing stations in unison with the direction of feed of the sheet material. The forming station includes adjustable rollers which permit adjustment of the space between the rollers. The method of the present invention comprises continuously feeding the sheet material through the punching, shearing, and forming stations. At the punching and shearing stations, the tools for punching and shearing the sheet material move in unison with the sheet material during the time that they are performing their punching and shearing operations, respectively.

Abstract: In a method for roll forming a flat metal strip through a roll forming machine into a round tubular product while the metal strip is being lengthwise fed therethrough, an improved method wherein regions of a specified width extending inward from the edges of said strip are imparted with substantially zero curvature. The tube forming method prevents decrease in the wall thicknesses at the edges when used in the manufacture of a thick walled electric welded pipe, and prevents the occurrence of edge buckling and springback when used in the manufacture of thick walled pipe so that in either case a proper and satisfactory butt junction for subsequent welding can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of forming slats for venetian blinds and the like is disclosed. An elongated baked enameled metallic strip is subjected to a plurality of gradual bending increments through the use of sequential pairs of forming rollers that form a central longitudinal body section of upwardly arched configuration, longitudinal ribs which extend downwardly and outwardly from the body section and longitudinal edge sections which extend outwardly from the ribs but are curled inwardly to provide marginal edges on the strip. By bending the strip in gradual increments in a preferred sequence with a plurality of pairs of sequential rollers, slats can be formed in a continuous operation wherein bending stresses on the strip are minimized to avoid stress cracks in both the baked enamel and in the metal.

Abstract: At least one head on a roller forming machine can be fixed at any of several different positions along the length of its frame. A line shaft extending along the frame has a bevel pinion for each head, meshing with a driven bevel gear on the head, to drive forming rollers on the head. Each bevel pinion comprises a front two-part pinion member and a rear two-part collar member. Each two-part member has a coaxial bore through it, and its two parts, held together by clamping screws, separate on a plane containing its axis. The bore through the pinion member has a sliding fit on the line shaft, that through the collar member has an interference fit, and the opposing surfaces of the collar member parts are taken down so that the collar member tightly clamps the line shaft. In the front surface of the collar member and the opposing rear surface of the pinion member are radially extending keyway grooves in which keys are received whereby the collar member constrains the pinion member to rotate with the line shaft.

Abstract: Starting sheets are straightened and stiffened in electrolytic refining plants by shaping the same predetermined areas of the starting sheet surfaces once or several times during successive shaping stages in such a manner that the elasticity range of the starting sheet material is at least in part exceeded. During each shaping stage depressions or grooves deviating from the plane of the starting sheet surface are produced in the starting sheets by shaping the said same areas of the starting sheet surface alternately from the opposite sides of the starting sheet during the different shaping stages, whereby the alternate shaping of the areas of the starting sheet surfaces from the opposite sides of the starting sheet straightens the starting sheet and causes work-hardening in the material of the starting sheet, and the depressions or grooves deviating from the plane of the starting sheet surface cause a stiffening of the starting sheet.

Abstract: A novel panel and panel assembly for use in building-type structures, together with panel forming apparatus are disclosed which are especially suitable for using portable, point-of-use, continuously operable, roll-forming techniques. The panel is characterized by upwardly diverging inclined sidewall portions (26, 27), wing portions (28, 29) of substantial lateral extent in relation to an intermediate wall portion that forms the bottom thereof, and centered edge fastening structure (31, 32). This panel provides a greater panel width per sheet stock width, ease of assembly, spacing and tracking surfaces for continuous edge seaming, and balanced strength with respect to loading. The panel assembly has continuous seam structure (54) with abutting inclined side sections (41, 47) and centered interlocking lateral flange portions (46, 53).

Abstract: Method and means for preforming the long edges of steel plate prior to manufacture into pipe by the U-O Process or the like by utilizing plate of a width exceeding that required for pipe of a given diameter by an amount at each edge having an excess at least equal to the width of the pipe. Roll-forming the plate to use the excess width thereof as a lever arm to obtain a bend at the bitter edges of the pipe (edges required for pipe) of a radius required for the pipe and thereafter shearing the plate to form the bitter edges, followed by bevelling and polishing the bitter edges, and further roll-forming the edge area to complete the preform thereof.

Abstract: A cold roll forming apparatus for forming a slat for a shutter having forming rolls successively disposed along a path line of the material and a pattern embossing roll disposed along the path line is shown. Metal band sheet fed through the apparatus is formed into a predetermined slat configuration and simultaneously repeated patterns are embossed on the flat surface of the slat.

Abstract: A flat skelp is longitudinally fed through convex and concave horizontal rolls, and is edge-crimped so that both edges are curved inward symmetrical to the pass line. The edge-crimped skelp is forced through a plurality of cage rolls disposed along and symmetrical to the pass line. The cage rolls perform intermediate forming that shapes mainly the uncrimped portion of the skelp toward a round form symmetrical to the pass line. The nearly rounded skelp is then subjected to finish-forming, with the fin of a finned-roll inserted in the gap between the edges. The edge-crimping process includes two or more stages; bending the outermost edges of the skelp and subsequent bending of the inward portion adjacent to the first bent edges.

Abstract: A metal pipe forming mill progressively forms a flat metal sheet into a circular form along the mill axis by forming rolls including pairs of cage rolls. A cage-roll unit in this type of mill has a pair of movable bases disposed on both sides of the mill axis, with the space between the two movable bases being freely adjustable, and a pair of stands mounted on the movable bases, one on each. The stands rotatably support, on their surfaces facing the mill axis, two or more pairs of cage rolls, one pair following another along the mill line.

Abstract: A machine which forms pipe elbows and other curved conduits by spirally winding a thin strip of sheet metal. The machine includes spaced apart cutting rollers which are reciprocated toward and away from one another by cams in order to cut the strip into a series of interconnected gores having contoured edges. The contoured edges are progressively bent in a manner to interlock by sets of bending rollers that are reciprocated inwardly and outwardly by cams. The strip is spirally wound inside of a ring shaped winding shoe having dies which interlock the opposite edges of the strip. Crimping rollers act to firmly crimp together the interlocked edges to form an acme seam. Clutches permit the cams to be selectively stopped so that the conduit that is formed can be provided with both straight and curved portions.

Abstract: A forming leveller establishes one or more datum or reference planes in variable thickness stock to facilitate subsequent roll forming. The reference planes may be established on the same side or opposite sides of the stock with a lateral gap to facilitate transition forming. The leveller includes top and bottom closely spaced roll sets forming multiple passes mounted on bottom and top frames, respectively, with floating rolls being opposed to fixed rolls. Back-up rolls are provided for the floating rolls and pressure devices urge the floating rolls against the stock in turn against the fixed rolls to form the desired reference planes thus enabling complex shapes to be roll formed from the variable thickness stock.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of helically seamed tubing, including a number of preshaping roller pairs for a strip material and a folding roller pair, arranged to form a folded seam in the strip material while feeding it to a coiling and tube shaping tool, each roller pair being driven by a separate hydraulic motor arranged to drive one of the rollers, the second roller being driven by a cog wheel transmission from the first, the second roller being movable in relation to the first roller in the same roller pair and being spring loaded in the direction towards same the first. The hydraulic motors are connected to each other in series, thus driving the successive individual roller pairs with a successively reduced speed, each roller including at least one surrounding circumferential groove, into which semi-circular ring members having an outwardly extending portion, or a groove, at the outer peripheral surface, are insertable and attachable.

Abstract: A machine for forming corrugated plate from a flat sheet defined by a plurality of serially arranged corrugating stands. At least one stand has cooperating corrugating rolls defined by a plurality of disc shaped dies which, during corrugating, are rotated at differing rates so that the peripheral speed at a selected diameter, of each such disc substantially equals the linear speed of the plate being corrugated. The discs can be constructed of disc shaped die halves, the axial position of which can be varied so as to vary the corrugation pitch or the profile while maintaining the pitch constant. Drives for the corrugating rolls and, in particular, for the disc dies can power rotate all dies or only some of them while others are free wheeling.

Abstract: A steel floor construction for freight hauling vehicles includes a plurality of elongated floor planking members arranged in side-by-side relation to provide a load bearing floor with a nailing groove between adjacent planking members. Each plank includes a downwardly open channel member having a relatively wide central web supported along its edges by integrally formed downwardly extending flanges, with the web being reinforced along its length by an upwardly directed generally U-shaped member welded to its bottom surface and having a pattern of anti-skid projections die-formed on and project upwardly from its top surface. The channels are progressively roll formed from a continuous length of strip steel by passing the strip through a series of forming roll pairs.

Abstract: A cold sheet metal forming apparatus in which the forming rolls are held at each end by bearing housings in each case held by screw-threaded rods engaging the housings and being secured directly to a main supporting frame.Such an arrangement leaves additional room between adjacent pairs of rolls and a second set of rollers are nested between the first set also with the simplified support arrangement at each end of each roll so as to allow a second rolling line to be kept in position and available for prompt use without as has hitherto been the case the necessity to change rollers.

Abstract: A folded edge is formed in an elongated strip in a simple compact machine; the strip is fed through a plurality of spaced apart edge forming roller means while being maintained in vertically disposed position; in this way a simple means can be provided for supporting a coil of the strip for feeding to the roller means. In this way there can be readily and easily produced panels for buildings, for example, fascia and siding.