Abstract: An apparatus of and a method for forming a multistage hollow pipe comprising the steps of arranging a hollow pipe on a plurality of molds composed of an upper mold, first, second, third forming molds for subjecting the hollow pipe to drawing process, axially applying a compressive force, which is greater than the force forming multistage bulges on the hollow pipe, to the hollow pipe for forming the multistage hollow pipe, removing the processed multistage hollow pipe and other molds from the first forming mold, releasing the clamping of the processed multistage hollow pipe by the second and the third forming molds, and taking out the processed multistage hollow pipe.

Abstract: In conventional fabrication manufacture the thickness of the steel plates are often determined by the metal section required at the weld joints. The subject apparatus and method overcomes this problem by selectively forming a thickened edge along the edge of a thinner steel plate which can now be limited to the thickness required to withstand the stresses on the fabrication. The thickened edge is produced by passing a plate supported on a table through a forming apparatus having a forming roller. The table is movable in an oblique direction relative to the plate so that the shape of the thickened edge may be varied. The forming apparatus and table are automatically controlled to produce a thickened edge of a desired shape intermittently or continuously along a linear or non-linear edge of the plate.

Abstract: A printing plate end bending apparatus utilizes a machine table having a printing plate abutment surface together with plate leading and trailing end support saddles which each also have plate end abutment surfaces. Each plate end saddle is provided with pivotable side plates that carry plate end hold-down members and bending beams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding a corrugated sheet transversely of the corrugations in which the valleys of the corrugated sheet are held clamped against a die in an edging press or like device by tongues of a pressfoot (2) while a fold line or weakening is pressed, in the form of an indentation, into the corrugations crests by a bar (1). The fold line or weakening enables the sheet to be subsequently bent to a desired angle over the edge of a bench or like support surface.

Abstract: An extraction device for a metal tube obtained by hot extrusion is located along an extrusion axis downstream of the die of an extrusion press. The extraction device has a group of elastic metal fingers for gripping the tube against a bearing surface of a discharge chute receiving the extruded tube. The fingers are joined at one end to a rotatable shaft in order to bring the fingers into elastic contact with an outer wall of the tube. A double-acting jack is connected directly or indirectly to the shaft in such a way as to permit the displacement of the tube clamped by the fingers towards the downstream end and to thereby extract its upstream end from the die.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a base frame 10; an assembly of carrier beams 17, 18 pivoted on the base frame 10 for rotation about an upright axis; clamps 19, 23 adjustably mounted on the carrier beams 17, 18 for clamping a vehicle supported on the carrier beams; retaining means 34 for releasably locking the assembly of carrier beams 17, 18 in rotatably adjusted position; a standard 36 on the base 10; and tensioning means 48, 50 mounted for vertical adjustment on the standard 36, for connection by a chain 51 direct or via a beam 52 and a further chain to parts of a vehicle clamped on the rotatable carrier beam assembly 17, 18. The tensioning means 48, 50 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 48 swingable about the standard 36 and an associated yoke 50.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for realigning vehicle body and frame members including a movable platform on which a vehicle may rest and a movably supported carrier member connected to such platform and carrying force-exerting means for applying force to vehicle elements at various selected angles.

Abstract: A horizontally elongated lifting and anchoring assembly (to be used in pairs) for transverse disposition beneath a vehicle body to be engaged and lifted relative to a floor surface, the assembly being floor mounted for lateral shifting relative thereto. The assembly includes an upper elongated longitudinally extending lift member supported at its longitudinal mid-portion through the utilization of an air bag assembly and each end of the lift member includes a stand slidable therealong and provided with a clamp assembly for clamp engaging a corresponding vehicle body side pinch weld area. Also, floor stands are provided for each end of the lift member and are slidably engageable therewith and anchorable relative to floor anchored rails between which the lift assembly extends.

Abstract: An extrusion former includes tension cylinders for holding an extrusion by its opposite ends under tension in jaws which are free to pivot in tangent relation as a centrally positioned die is urged against the extrusion to form it into a predetermined shape whereupon tension upon the extrusion is released, the hold by the jaws on the extrusion is released and formed extrusion is removed from the extrusion. A locking device locks the tension cylinders at the exact tangent position at which the extrusion is properly and completely formed to permit removal of the extrusion from the hold of the jaws without binding or kinking of the extrusion in the jaws caused by residual tension in the extrusion after forming.

Abstract: The apparatus forms an elongate tubular member into a predetermined shape while preventing crimping of the walls of the member and comprises jaws for holding the member at its opposing ends and a pressurizer for pressurizing the interior of the member to a predetermined pressure greater than atmospheric pressure while being held sufficient to provide increased effective regidity and crimp resistance to the walls of the member. A die exerts a force against the member sufficient to form the member into a predetermined shape while pressurized. The pressure within the member is released after the member has been formed into its desired shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying straightening forces to vehicle members. A relatively light adjustable rectangular cradle is equipped with clamps for clamping the cradle to the frame or pinch weld of a vehicle to be repaired. A transversely adjustable journal mounted on one of the beams of the cradle acts as a pivot point for a relatively long power beam which rests on the floor under the cradle and the vehicle. A hydraulically driven pivoted arm at the distal end of the power beam provides the straightening forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a unibody vehicle for straightening and alignment purposes has a pair of crossbars clamped to the pinch welds on the underside of the vehicle body and at the ends of each crossbar there is affixed a vertical tower. Each vertical tower is pivotably connected to a wheel assembly and each vertical tower attached to a selected one of several heights with respect to the wheel assembly. A bench frame is positioned beneath the attached crossbars and attached thereto. The tilting of the crossbars on the wheel assembly and the vertical positioning of the crossbars with respect to the wheel assemblies facilitates loading of the vehicle onto the apparatus and enables the loaded vehicle to be positioned at a desired work height.There is also disclosed a tower device which is movable independently of the apparatus for application of a force to a part of a vehicle supported on the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing and straightening a vehicle frame of an automobile including a rigid base frame having cantilevered beams to receive vehicle clamps adjustable thereon, the base frame being expansible and compressible within the wheel base and tread of a vehicle to be repaired and the beams extending beyond the sides of such vehicle--a jack adaptor, clamp modifiers and a link chain shortener being cooperable with the cantilevered beams.

Abstract: A bench system for straightening automobile bodies includes a central-pedestal lift with a horizontal bed adapted to structurally interlock with a detachable straightening bench having its own casters. The bench and the floor proximate the lift are provided with a plurality of engagement devices which cooperate to secure the bench to the floor for high straightening force applications while the bench is also secured to the lift.

Abstract: An apparatus for forging crankshafts comprises a base which consists of beams 4 and cross-members 12 and 25. The head 3 of the device is designed for reciprocal movement in relation to the base. Between head 3 and parts 4 and 25 of the base there is a pair of movable, mutually coupled die holders 5 and 8, from which the top die holder 5 is led perpendicularly or at an oblique angle in relation to the head movement and the bottom die holder 8 is connected with the base by means of articulated connectors 6 and 7. Clamping die inserts 10 and 11 for gripping the forged material are fastened in die holders 5 and 8. The device is also equipped with a second pair of die holders 13, 12, 12a, 4d, which remain stationary and are fixed to the base during the working stroke of the press by means of a clamping mechanism 14 and 15. Die inserts 22 and 23 for forming crank webs and angle die inserts 17, 18 and 20 for setting crank webs at proper twist angles are mounted into the said stationary pair of die holders.

Abstract: A support assembly for stationarily securing an automobile or similar vehicle in an elevated, substantially level position on a floor surface. The assembly includes a pair of bench structures adapted for rigid positioning and spaced parallel orientation beneath a vehicle whereby each bench structure is transverse to the vehicle body and within the area defined by the forward and rear wheels of the vehicle. Each bench structure has a rigid crossbeam extending between A-frame pedestals, body clamping devices adjustably secured on the upward face of the crossbeam, and means for securement of the benches in working position.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame on which a raised platform is secured. To restrain the vehicle during the application of a restoring force, various appliances are attached at any location about the outer boundary of the platform and coupled to the motor vehicle. The appliances are adapted to be attachable to and releasable from the motor vehicle without requiring its movement. To apply the force necessary to restore the deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle, the apparatus includes pull-towers supported on and movable along a track provided by the frame. Each pull-tower includes a compact power head which can be moved vertically up or down the pull-tower. Activating the power head produces the force used in restoring the deformed, yieldable body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for use in conjunction with a vehicle frame straightening rack. The assembly is adjustable to accommodate any model of vehicle, adjustments being possible in both fore and aft as well as side to side directions and in height. An adjustable clamping fixture is incorporated into the assembly to hold the frame on the straightening rack. In use, the vehicle frame to be straightened is supported on the straightening rack. One side is aligned at the fixturing points provided in the vehicle frame by use of an alignment fixture at one end of an alignment beam. The opposite side is then similarly aligned at the opposing end of the alignment beam with a similar alignment fixture. A ruler is provided on the alignment beams to aid in the precision of placement of the alignment fixtures. Clamping fixtures are then attached and all the fixtures are locked in place. As the frame is then straightened the fixtures remain engaged with the frame and precise alignment is accomplished.

Abstract: A tube bending apparatus made up of a drive motor, bend head and saw together with associated clamping units are mounted on a common work surface, the apparatus being programmed to form rectangular window frames by coordinating the speed of advancement, distance of travel between bends as well as the sequence of bending and cutting with operator input data relating to quantity and frame dimension. The machine can be operated either in a manual or automatic mode, and in the automatic mode is operable at different selected speeds, according to the length of sides of the frame, with a reduced speed interval at the end of each period of advancement preliminary to braking and clamping of the workpiece to perform either a bending or cutting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to an improved die for homogeneously stretch forming sheet metal in standard sized presses without also drawing the sheet metal. The die is comprised of complementary male and female die halves moveable between open and closed positions, and a blank holder member moveable between open and closed positions relative to the female die half. A pair of grippers having mutually facing surfaces is carried by the female die half and the blank holder member. One of the gripper surfaces defines exactly two rectangular shaped beads which extend entirely around the circumference of the male and female die halves, while the other of the gripper surfaces is flat. The beads are equally spaced apart along their lengths and each includes a pair of relatively sharp edges for biting into the sheet metal.

Abstract: An adjustable frame assembly to hold auto bodies of unit body construction for straightening of bent and damaged portions thereof. The frame is comprised of telescoping bar assemblies for each side and each end, including a tubular bar member and an insert bar member received therein movable inwardly and outwardly to adjust the frame both longitudinally and laterally to fit whatever auto the frame is to be used with. The frame has projections at each corner for anchor members to receive and bolt to the floor. As an alternative, eye or ring members are provided for connection of chains to anchor the frame in that manner. In that case, lock bolts are provided to hold the insert bar members in fixed position relative to their corresponding tubular bar members.

Abstract: Disclosed are a screw body jack which can correct the deformation of a metallic structure with the force derived from screw mechanism and a body jack assembly which makes use of a plurality of body jack elements extending radially from a central bracket piece over an angle of either in excess of 180 degrees or no more than 180 degrees. In the latter case, at least one of the body jack elements is utilized in tension while the others are in compression. The screw body jack may be advantageously utilized in the body jack assembly because of its functionality and simplicity.

Abstract: This bench device is primarily for use in auto body shops, for decreasing the time consumed in performing bodywork. It consists of a lift support assembly attached to a main frame, elevatable to any desired height. It further consists of brackets which receive adjustable clamp assemblies for holding the automobile, and it also has mounting provisions for an hydraulic pulling arm assembly.

Abstract: The apparatus for mounting a damaged vehicle body on a checking frame comprises two cross-members carried by vertical end-plates and rigidly fixed to two mounting-plates. The first cross-member is intended to be fixed directly in holes of the longitudinal members of the checking frame. The second cross-member is mounted in an adjustable position on the longitudinal members by means of two sole-plates. Four vehicle body supports are slidably mounted on the cross-members and capable of receiving detachable positioning elements which are specific to each type of vehicle body. The two cross-members are raised to a sufficient height to permit positioning of the horizontal frame of a measuring device beneath the cross-members. The measuring device can thus rest on the longitudinal members of the checking frame so as to permit all the necessary checking operations.

Abstract: A method of forming tapered tube sections from a cylindrical tube section and for forming tapered tubes from cylindrical tubes. A cylindrical tube is severed along a plane that is not parallel to its longitudinal axis, the resulting tube sections are reformed into new radii, the tube sections are then reversed and welded together to form a tapered tube of the desired configuration.

Abstract: A variable radius lead former operates an axial lead electronic component wherein the bend radius may be adjusted to any desired radius within specifications.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for the bending of laying tubes for wire-winding layering apparatuses, in which the molding body that determines the form of the laying tube runs essentially horizontally and is rotatably supported, such that a better manipulation of the highly heated laying tube is achieved during bending. The molding body also consists of two drums, one inserted into the other, the outer one of which has a lateral edge that matches the laying tube form desired and the two drums have a generated surface that matches the laying tube form desired. Together, they serve as the stop surfaces for the bending process. In this manner, the bending of the laying tubes is considerably simplified and a precise laying tube form is achieved.

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: The invention relates to arches for use in tunnels such as underground mine tunnels. These arches are composed of a bent metal beam often of "H" or "T"-section. Problems have previously arisen in accurately bending the beams to the required shape. The apparatus of the invention includes a D-shaped former which is rotatable relative to a roller. The beam is clamped to one end of the former and on rotation of the former relative to the roller, the beam is bent around the former so that it assumes the required shape, the ends of the beam being clamped to the former. A cutting device may be employed to cut the beam, while bent around the former, into three or more sections.

Abstract: A panel brake has an intermediate jaw disposed between one fixed jaw having a straight edge and another fixed jaw having a curved edge. The intermediate jaw is movable so as to grip a panel against either the straight edge fixed jaw or the curved edge fixed jaw.

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: An apparatus for forming tube components from a length of tube includes a transport clamp (34) mounted for controlled movement in a first and a second direction along a predetermined path (30). The tube is clamped within the transport clamp (34) when the transport clamp is moved in the first direction thereby drawing the tube along the predetermined path (30). Adjustable switches (42, 44) cooperate with the transport clamp (34) for controlling the forward and rearward movement of the transport clamp (34). A forming clamp (90) is mounted in the predetermined path for selectively clamping the tube when the transport clamp (34) is moving in the second direction. A cutoff assembly (96) operates to cut the tube into severed tube pieces. A tube forming assembly (92) is selectively positionable within the predetermined path for forming the end of the tube. Intermediate switch structure (56) is adjustable relative to the adjustable switches (42, 44) for controlling the operation of the forming assembly (92).

Abstract: The invention relates to a straightening jig for vehicle bodies, particularly for the cabs of trucks, of the kind comprising a stand for fastening to a floor or other foundation, and being equipped with a number of bearing fixings in which a number of bearing components on a vehicle body are intended to fit and be fixed when the vehicle body is located on the jig.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching an extruded length of metal comprises a plurality of sets of tailstock jaws mounted at fixed positions in line with and spaced from each other, and a set of headstock jaws mounted in line with the sets of tailstock jaws and movable towards and away from the sets of tailstock jaws by a motor. The sets of tailstock jaws are individually controlled by respective sensors which when energized emit a signal in response to the presence of the trailing end of an extruded length of metal travelling past the sets of tailstock jaws, and the sensor signal actuates closure of the associated tailstock jaws on the trailing end of the extruded length.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus and method for simultaneously forming eyes at each end of a leaf spring blank in which hydraulic clamps clamp each end of a spring blank into a working position, hydraulic knock-downs knock down the ends of the spring blank about gooseneck forms advanced in alignment with and beneath the clamping surfaces of the clamps and partially form the ends of the blank, scarfing knives advance with scrolling dies to cut the extreme ends of the blank to conform to the underside of the gooseneck forms. The scrolling dies are advanced toward the ends of the spring blank to further form the ends of the spring blank to a semicircular form. Sizing pins are advanced through the semicircular form of the spring blank, and the scrolls are further advanced to conform the eyes with the anvil and form the spring to size about the sizing pins. The sizing pins are then removed and the formed blank may be passed to a quenching solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending beams by which a beam is subjected to pure moment bending in a critically oriented plane to avoid twist and to maintain single plane bending in a beam of arbitrary cross section. As disclosed, a pair of bending heads laterally engage a beam at longitudinally spaced points. Force actuator means connected directly between the heads is energized to rotate one of the heads relative to the other to produce a bending moment in a work area in the beam between the heads. The actuator means is arranged to produce a force couple on the heads which avoids transverse loading of the beam and resultant twist and which is adapted to selectively orient the plane of the applied couple relative to the desired bending plane to maintain single plane bending in beams of nonsymmetric cross section.

Abstract: Draw-bending apparatus for bending portions of a continuous metallic member have spaced bending tables which are rotatable about their axes and which can be clamped to spaced portions of the member to be bent. The tables are then rotated to draw and bend the members to which they are secured. The tables are operated so that they rotate for the same length of time even though they rotate through different angles. Servo valve control means are provided to ensure a constant bending torque for each table and to control the rate of table rotation according to a pre-selected program.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to apply pulling forces from any direction from any elevation around a vehicle being repaired and/or serviced. The apparatus is arranged so personnel using it are concerned with minimal physical lifting movements and minimal setup arrangements of the apparatus. Each embodiment of the apparatus utilizes at least one tower assembly equipped with an elongating subassembly to move a tension member, through directional change devices, as it remains secured to some portion of a vehicle, thereby undergoing at least one repositioning pull in a direction opposite to at least one prior force that previously caused some of the damage and/or misalignment. Depending on the magnitude of the restoring force required, the tower, other towers, and/or other structures may be secured together and/or to the vehicle as well, to create a firm basis for anchoring the apparatus and/or the vehicle as one or more reactive forces are controllably created.