Abstract: For the purpose of making it possible to estimate the spring back angle and/or final driving position of the driving die with good accuracy even if there are some variations from lot to lot in the material characteristics values, and thereby achieve bending with extremely high angle accuracy, the actual bending angle is directed at no less than two provisional driving positions of the driving die during the bending of a workpiece. Based on the relationship of the amount of change in the driving amount to the amount of change in the actual bending angle relating to those provisional driving positions, a determination is made of the relationship of the spring back angle to the target bending angle of the workpiece for the respective working conditions of the bending concerned which are stored in advance. From this relationship, a determination is made for the final driving position of the driving die, and the driving die is driven to that determined final driving position.

Abstract: A press brake is provided for performing one or more bending operations on a product, such as a sheet metal part, whereby the selection and laying out the clues necessary for bending the product is facilitated by detecting the kinds and layout of the dies loaded in the press brake. A display device is also provided for displaying the layout of the dies, checking interferences between the product and the dies, and displaying the details and features of the product.

Abstract: A bending machine (1) for bending the edges (3) on sheet-like workpieces (2). The workpieces (2) can be grasped by clamping jaws (12) located on a manipulator (11) and supplied to a tool (6) and a mount. The manipulator (11) is located and supported above the processing plane and the workpiece support (4). The clamping jaws (12) can, in addition to being movable transversely or perpendicular to the tool (6), are also movable parallel thereto, and can rotate about an axis (15) running perpendicular to the workpiece plane. The workpieces (2) can be held in any position and then conveyed, without the need for additional conveying, transfer and removal devices, because all of these functions can also be performed by the manipulator (11).

Abstract: In a press bending arrangement for an aluminum profile, especially for manufacturing the equator profile for an LNG-tank, the press is connected to control and measuring devices in such a manner, that the reflection of the workpiece is taken into account both in bending the profile and in determining the bending control based on measurements being made.

Abstract: The angle of bend is detected at a plurality of points in a workpiece by angle detecting units during bending of the workpiece. Based on the difference between the bend angle detected at each point and a target bend angle for the workpiece, ball screws are controlled so as to deform a bed for supporting an upper die or lower die, thereby compensating for the boat form of the workpiece.

Abstract: A press brake for bending a sheet-shaped work between an upper tool and a lower die and a method of bending the work are provided. In the method, at first, bending angles at plural positions of the work are measured by a trial bending. Next, based on the bending angles obtained, an engagement positional relation between the upper tool and the lower die is corrected to achieve accurate bending of the work at a target bending angle in order to carry out the method, the press brake includes a control unit for calculating a D value of a distance from a bottom of the lower die to a tip of the upper tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming and in particular for bending rod-like components or sections of pipe with clamping units that can rotate and can travel longitudinally within the machine and transversely with the machine as well as with at least two bending units that are located in separate processing stations which are located on different sides of the clamping units and can rotate.

Abstract: As part of a process for bending workpieces (14), when the workpiece (14) is released from the upper die (8) and/or the lower die (10), the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) is continually determined; from the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) found, the change in it is determined and, as soon as the change in the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) assumes a predetermined value, the actual size of the then existing bending angle (.beta.) is compared with the desired size.On a tooling machine for carrying out the method described, there are scanning elements (17,18) and a device (24) for determining the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) that are parts of a device (19) for determining the change in the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.). The device (24) for determining the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) is connected to a comparison device (32) for comparing the actual size of the bending angle (.beta.) to the desired size.

Abstract: For starting bending of a workpiece, a provisional drive end for a ram is computed from information such as processing conditions for the workpiece input through a processing (condition input section and the relationship between the target bending angle for the workpiece and the springback angle of the workpiece stored in a springback data section. The ram is driven to the provisional drive end and then the bending angle of the workpiece is measured thereat by an angle measuring unit. Thereafter, a final drive end for the ram is obtained from (i) the measured bending angle, (ii) the relationship between the bending angle of the workpiece and the amount of driving the ram stored in a bending angle vs. driving amount data section, and (iii) the relationship between the target bending angle for the workpiece and the springback angle of the workpiece stored in a springback data section. The ram is driven to the final drive end thus obtained to complete the bending operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for forming an elongated workpiece are provided. In a first embodiment, a press has a ram and movable upper platen to which is secured a first die. Upper guide members are provided on the upper platen for movement of slide members on each responsive to movement of the platen. Lower guide elements, which cooperate in a telescoping manner with upper guide members, are secured to a lower platen. The first die cooperates with a pair of rotatable second die members which are provided with each being rotatable responsive to movement of a slide member. In a preferred embodiment, the upper guide members secured to the platens are in relative sliding contact and links connect the slide members with the rotatable second dies. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated metal workpiece may be formed by bending under the influence of the forces applied to the first die and second die members through the upper platen by the press ram.

Abstract: Self-contained snowmobile straightening system with a repair table. The table includes a two-location anchoring system assuring that both the chassis and the suspension of the snowmobile are immobilized in place on the table so that repair work can be accomplished by adjustable and removable pulling equipment structurally associated with the repair table. The chassis is immobilized in place by at least one pair of opposed slide rail clamps which lock both slide rails of a snowmobile in place on the table surface of the straightening system. The snowmobile suspension system is anchored by opposed pairs of running board clamps, while pulling towers and braces, in combination with hydraulic power rams, afford a repair craftsman many necessary multi-directional pulls.

Abstract: In a pipe bending apparatus, a chuck unit is movable along a straight pipe for holding it in position between a pair of bending units which are also movable along the pipe. The apparatus can bend even a long metal pipe having a small diameter accurately at a desired angle in any of a variety of directions, while allowing it to be quickly set for any bending job.

Abstract: An automatic indexer a portable sheet bending brake having a first longitudinally extending member forming a clamp surface, a second longitudinally extending member movable with respect to the first member for clamping sheet material against the clamp surface, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member for bending sheet material clamped between the first and second members over a bending anvil on the forward edge of the second member. The indexer includes a pair of slides having means for mounting the slides parallel to each other and spaced from each other lengthwise of the clamp surface on the bending brake. A pair of carriages are each slidably disposed on one of the slides, and a bar extends longitudinally between the carriages for engagement with an edge of sheet material inserted between the first and second members of the sheet bending brake.

Abstract: Flanges are forming simultaneously around multiple holes in a sheet metal part with a press in which multiple sets of tooling are mounted on a pair of plates fastened to the top and bottom platens of the press. The plates have guides for ensuring that the plates, and the tooling on the plates, are aligned when the plates are brought together by closing the press. The tooling includes dies attached to die holders on the upper plate, and punches attached to punch holders on the lower plate using attachments that permit a small lateral movement of the dies and the punches on their holders so that the punches can self-align with the holes in the part when the part is fit onto the punches, and so that the dies can self-align with the punches when the press closes.

Abstract: The present invention is a vane adjustment machine for adjusting contoured vanes on a vane ring. The vane adjustment machine has a support structure with a bench top and a free-floating suspension. The bench top supporting a programmable rotary table which is electrically actuated to rotate a removably mounted vane assembly to bring each contoured vane into a position to be dimensionally measured, heated, and bent. The vane adjustment machine has a trace probe mounted adjacent to the rotary table for engaging each contoured vane and measuring its relative position radially and axially. A torch is mounted adjacent the rotary table to heat each contoured vane individually. A non-contact infrared sensor is on the bench top adjacent to the torch for measuring the temperature of a heated contoured vane. A bending head is suspended by the free-floating suspension over the vane ring to individually engage the trailing edge of each individual contoured vane and bend the-trailing edge to adjust the contoured vane.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a method and an apparatus for bending a pipe whose bending cross section has reduced compressed ratio, reduced reduction ratio of area and reduced reduction in thickness and in which bending can be conducted at the desired curvature. In the present invention, both edges of the pipe bending portion are arrested and grasped, a center of one bending edge is set to be the axis and a revolution axis is amounted on it, a rotation axis is mounted at a center of the other bending edge and gears are installed on the revolution axis and the rotation axis so as to engage each other so that the driving is driven to the gear on the rotation axis. The rotation axis revolves having the radius to be the distance from the rotation axis to the revolution axis and at the same time the rotation axis rotates on its axis having the radius of the gear in response to the revolution angle.

Abstract: A device for prehemming at least a portion of an upstanding flange of a sheet metal panel which has a tapered roller which is moved into engagement with the flange while moving the roller along the flange with its axis of rotation disposed in a path which is substantially parallel to the fold line of the flange along the periphery of the panel. The roller is journalled for rotation on an arm pivotally carried by a slide which is moved by a drive cylinder along a lineal path generally parallel to the fold line of the portion of the flange to be prehemmed. As the slide moves linearly the arm is pivoted to move the roller transversely by a follower carried by the arm and received in an elongate cam track having a portion contoured to impart pivotal movement of the arm to cause the roller to follow the desired path of travel substantially parallel to the fold line of the flange for prehemming the flange by bending it to an acute included angle relative to an adjoining portion of the panel.

Abstract: A bending press has a drive mechanism for effecting vertical movement of a bending tool in a bending line, a drive actuating device, and a locking mechanism for the actuating device. A stop assembly behind the bending line includes a rail, a rail drive mechanism to move the rail perpendicularly to the bending line, and at least two stops on said rail. A releasable clamping mechanism fixes the stops in position on the rail, and the stops are movable along the rail upon release of the clamping mechanism. A clamp locking mechanism locks the clamping mechanism in a clamp fixing position. The stop assembly is movable into a position in which the stops project over the bending line when the drive locking mechanism is actuated, and the clamp locking mechanism is actuatable to release the clamp locking mechanism when the drive locking mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: The pipe-bending machine comprises two bending heads (11,12) being configured so as to be mirror-inverted with respect to each other and projecting in cantilever-like manner from a machine frame (10). A cross slide (26) supporting the pipe holding device (25) is displaceable on the machine frame (10). The first bending of the pipe (17) is performed in a first bending head (12). Then, the pipe holding device (29) is displaced to the second bending head (11) where the second bending operation is performed. Thus, several bending operations can be effected successively without there being a need to reclamp the pipe.

Abstract: A method and equipment for bending a work to the extent of a target bending angle, including a first process of bending to bend a work with a ram driven by a two-shaft system having a pair of right and left drive mechanisms to the extent of the quantity of motion for each shaft corresponding to the target bending angle, a measurement process to measure the bending angles at both ends of the work bent in the first process of bending, a correction process to correct the quantity of motion for each shaft according to each error between the target bending angle and the respective bending angles at both ends of the work measured in the measurement process, and a second process of bending to bend the work with the ram driven by the two-shaft system in which each shaft is actuated by each drive mechanism to the extent of the quantity of motion for each shaft corrected by the correction process, all of the above processes being performed in series.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for positioning and pressing surgical needle blanks. The apparatus includes a needle blank transferring system which transfers needle blanks between a gripping position and a pressing position. A side press system presses a portion of the needle blank when the blank is in the pressing position, and a gripping member is provided to hold the needle blank at least during the transfer and press operations of the apparatus. The method according to the present invention includes inserting a needle blank into a needle blank gripping member at a gripping position, transferring the needle blank between the gripping position and a pressing position, and pressing a side portion of a body portion of the needle blank with pressing dies.

Abstract: The portion to be deformed of a metal sheet is heated by irradiating it with a laser beam which is scanned at a high speed, and, when the portion to be deformed has attained a predetermined temperature, a bending force is applied to the portion to be bent to perform bending of the metal sheet. When the shape of a metal sheet is to be worked into a circular arc of 90.degree. having a predetermined radius by means of six bending processes, the metal sheet is worked such that the working process is divided into six processes and the bending processes are sequentially performed after fixing a metal sheet edge of the metal sheet. The yield strength of a steel material is reduced when it is heated and a metal sheet is worked using a laser by which a local heating is possible. Dies are therfore unnecessary, whereby processing at low costs and an apparatus therefor may be achieved.

Abstract: A shaving system that includes a holder and a blade member secured to the holder. The blade member has an aperture that defines an annular sharpened edge with main facet portions that converge at an angle of less than 30.degree. and supplemental facet portions that are extensions of the main facet portions and define an ultimate tip defining portion that has an included angle of less than 30.degree.. The supplemental facet portions are offset in the same direction from the main facet portions each at an angle of less than 175.degree., the outer main facet portion defines a shaving plane, the ultimate tip is disposed above the shaving plane less than 0.1 millimeter, and the bisector of the included angle defined by the supplementary facets is disposed at an angle to the shaving plane in the range of 15.degree.-35.degree..

Abstract: A force isolating machine tool. The invention is directed to a machine tool divided into two separate cooperating structures, a first frame structure for supporting and guiding a pair of tools to provide precision of movement and a second frame structure for transmitting reaction forces. The first and second frame structures are pivotally connected along the axis along which the tools move.

Abstract: A reciprocating bender for conduit which may make equal and opposite bends in a length of conduit. The reciprocating bender includes a bending deck, a traveling bending shoe, a rising bending shoe, a jack, and a stabilizer. The conduit is placed adjacent the traveling and rising bending shoes, and the stabilizer holds the conduit in place. The jack elevates the rising bending shoe above the deck, causing the conduit to make both equal and opposite bends about the two bending shoes.

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: A tool mountable on a helicopter blade for selectively bending the trailing edge trim tab of the blade about a selected axis along the span of the trim tab, and including a device to counterbalance the weight of the trim tab bending mechanism so that the true degree of bending of the trim tab can be determined at any time during the bending operation. The tool also includes apparatus for simultaneously calibrating the counterbalance device and the mechanism used to measure the degree to which the tab has been bent, prior to commencing the bending operation.

Abstract: The machine includes a U-shaped princer (12) with a pair of arms (14, 16) which carry a V-sectioned linear punch (P) and a V-sectioned linear die (D) respectively. The punch (P) is fixed and the die (D) is movable. The U-shaped pincer (12) is mounted so that it can rotate both about a bending axis (V) coincident with the edge of the punch (P) and about a horizontal pivoting axis (O) which intersects the bending axis (V). A clamp (10) is adapted to grip an upper edge of a piece (W) of sheet metal so that a region thereof to be bent lies in a vertical suspension plane (B) lying between the arms (14, 16) of the U-shaped pincer (12) and containing the bending axis (V). The U-shaped pincer (12) and the clamp (10) are capable of relative movement both in a vertical direction (Z) and in a horizontal direction (X) perpendicular to the horizontal pivoting axis (O).

Abstract: A punch and die assembly including a punch having an outer surface conforming generally to a configuration desired for a sheet metal part to be produced and adapted for rectilinear movement in a given direction between retracted and extended positions, the punch having a rear portion with a cross-section of given width and a front portion with a cross-section of predetermined width greater than the given width; and a die body defining a cavity comprising an outer portion defining an opening for receiving the punch and an inner portion communicating with the outer portion. The inner portion has a cross-section with substantially uniformly spaced side walls dimensioned so as to closely accommodate the front portion of the punch and a sheet metal workpiece, and to provide between said rear portion of the punch and the side walls a gap greater than twice the thickness of the workpiece when the punch is in its extended position within the outer portion of said cavity.

Abstract: The machine includes a U-shaped pincer (12) with a pair of arms (14, 16) which carry a V-sectioned linear punch (P) and a V-sectioned linear die (D) respectively. The punch (P) is fixed and the die (D) is movable. The U-shaped pincer (12) is mounted so that it can rotate both about a bending axis (V) coincident with the edge of the punch (P) and about a horizontal pivoting axis (O) which intersects the bending axis (V). A clamp (10) is adapted to grip an upper edge of a piece (W) of sheet metal so that a region thereof to be bent lies in a vertical suspension plane (B) lying between the arms (14, 16) of the U-shaped pincer (12) and containing the bending axis (V). The U-shaped pincer (12) and the clamp (10) are capable of relative movement both in a vertical direction (Z) and in a horizontal direction (X) perpendicular to the horizontal pivoting axis (O).

Abstract: Wire bending apparatus comprising a positioning fixture adapted to secure the stripped free end of a ribbon cable in a predetermined orientation; a bending fixture positionable adjacent the fixed free end of a ribbon cable secured in the positioning fixture; and means releasably interconnecting the positioning fixture and the bending fixture for the releasable securement therebetween. Also disclosed is the method of bending free ends of ribbon cables with such apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending a metal pipe having a small diameter includes a pipe retaining mechanism and bending units. The pipe retaining mechanism comprises a pair of chucks consisting of a split pattern provided on a support. One of the chucks is fixed and the other is mounted on the distal end of a piston rod of a cylinder device in such a manner that it opposes the one of the chucks. The bending units are provided on the support on two sides of the pipe retaining mechanism in the crosswise direction thereof, and has forming rolls supported to fixtures on the support on two sides of the extension of the axis of the pipe retaining mechanism, as well as press rolls which are pivotal about the forming rolls. The support is fixed to the upper end of a drive shaft rotated in cooperation with a piston rod of a cylinder device on a base, so that the bending apparatus on the support can be pivoted on the plane of the support during bending process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic machine for curving thin and rectilinear metal elements of the wire, strip or tube type.According to the invention, this machine comprises a nipper (2) adapted for positioning and holding on a first axis (X) a metal element section to be bent, as well as two bending devices (3, 4) movable on each side of the nipper (2) along a rail (7) parallel to the axis (X). Each bending device comprises two jaws (17 and 18) between which the metal element section may be clamped at each stop of the bending device, as well as a bending finger adapted for rotating about an axis perpendicular to the axis (X) in line with the noses of the jaws (17, 18) which form the counter bending parts. According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the nipper (2) may further execute an angular rotation about the axis (X).

Abstract: A method for coining a precision corner break on an oil metering flat for a rotor of a power steering rotary valve is provided. The method comprises the first step of placing a workpiece to be coined in a first floating position set by a clamping and orientating device where the workpiece is generally aligned but adjustable for further coining orientation if necessary. The next step comprises engaging the workpiece with a plurality of circumferentially spaced coining dies. The workpiece floats from the first floating position to a second coining position upon engagement by the dies. The last step comprises coining the workpiece to a precision depth selectively adjustable by adjustment of a motion conversion means. The press assembly includes fixed and movable platens, the movable platen being powered by a power cylinder assembly to direct the movable platen in a longitudinal direction in the press.

Abstract: A tool for setting blind rivet nuts has a housing having a head defining a head axis, a pulling rod extending along and rotatable about the head axis, projecting axially forwardly from the head, and threadable into a blind rivet nut, and a hydropneumatic actuator including a rear air chamber and a source of air under pressure for axially displacing the rod along the axis between an extended position projecting axially relatively far from the head and a withdrawn position axially therebehind. A pneumatic motor connected to the pulling rod for rotating same in one sense to screw it into a rivet nut and for rotating the rod in the opposite sense direction to screw it out of the nut.

Abstract: A method for registering in an offset printing press comprises: mounting a printing plate on a shiftable table of a plate bending machine; detecting datum fine lines on said plate, by means of optical sensors; shifting the shiftable table so that said datum fine lines are placed at specific positions; inscribing, by means of a register mark inscribing device, register marks for carrying out automatic registering while, at the same time, bending the lateral edges of the printing plate; thereafter mounting the printing plate on a corresponding plate cylinder of a printing press; and carrying out automatic registering. The above plate bending machine comprises plate bending mechanisms, a shiftable table for holding the printing plate, optical detection sensors disposed above the shiftable table and operating to detect datum lines on the plate and thereby to generate signals for the movement of the table and register mark inscribing devices for automatic registering on a plate cylinder of the printing press.

Abstract: A torsional molding apparatus for arranging each crank pin of a crank shaft at a predetermined angular position wherein a plurality of crank pins are arranged on the same plane passing through an axis of the crank shaft. The apparatus comprises posts on a fixed support bed, a vertically movable cushion bed, a vertically movable bed arranged above the cushion bed, a fixed lower mold and a fixed upper mold secured to the cushion bed and vertically movable bed, respectively, a rotatable lower mold and a rotatable upper mold rotatably carried on the cushion bed and vertically movable bed rotatably about the axis of the crank shaft, and arms integrally and outwardly projected from the rotatable lower mold and placed in abutment with the upper ends of the posts.

Abstract: An automatic sheet metal folding machine comprises two gripping members and upper and lower folding members disposed respectively above and below the gripping members. The folding members are pivotally mounted about pivot axes generally fixed during folding operations. The gripping members are adapted to clamp the sheet of metal therebetween and bring the sheet of metal to an upper or lower horizontal reference plane for folding, or some position therebetween. The upper folding member folds sheet metal downwardly and the lower folding member folds sheet metal upwardly, thereby avoiding having to turn over the sheet of metal. An orientation table may be associated with the actual folding machine for turning around a sheet of metal between successive folding operations and/or feeding and discharging the sheet of metal into and out of the folding machine.

Abstract: A gripping head (2) of a sheet stretcher has a centering device (4) for centering a sheet (1) to be stretched in the middle of the gripping head (2) before the sheet is gripped and stretched. The centering device comprises two centering arms (5) which move with their edges towards the longitudinal sides of the sheet and are synchronously displaced in opposite directions and at right angles to the axis of stretching. In order to facilitate optimum gripping of the sheet automatically, guide rods (9) having engaging members (10) sliding thereon are provided on the centering arms (5) and extend parallel to the axis of stretching. The ends of the engaging members (10) have stops (14), against which the front end of the sheet (1) bears when fully inserted. A distance-measuring device (18), is provided on the centering arm (5) and has a cable drum (22) and a potentiometer (20) on the same shaft (21). The end of the cable is secured to the engaging member ( 10).

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a metal sheet stretching machine is provided with hydraulically operated connecting rods for closing the clamping jaws onto the sheet metal. The rods transmit only compressive forces and are retracted after the tightening of the clamping jaws during stretching. Pulling cables serve to selectively open the clamping jaws.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and apparatus for imparting a required metering form to the longitudinal outer edges of axially extending grooves of cylindrical rotor members of rotary valves by moving an impressing tool or tools having the required metering form thereon against a said edge or edges of a rotor member or members generally in the direction of a chord extending between a point on said edge and a similar point on an adjacent edge of the nearest adjacent groove so as to displace the material of the edge being worked away from the groove.

Abstract: Latch and guide system for gripping steel plate and the like while it is edge-formed. A pulley system is driven to apply tension to cables which actuate gripping clamps. The clamps travel within channel guides along the length of the system and restrain the plate from lateral movement.

Abstract: A method and machine for flanging tube ends, the machine having pivotal inner (22) and outer (30) forming tools which flange one end of a thin metal tube (21) specifically to form a rotatable drum for laundry machines. The tools are actuated by hydraulic rams (A), (B) and (C) and the rams are actuated at different rates of movement under the control of a computer so that as forming is effected by moving both sets of tools from dispositions on a cylinder to dispositions on a disc the inner forming tools (22) have their pivot points 24 changed relative to pivot points (31) of the outer forming tools (30) resulting in relative sliding between inner and outer forming tools. The flange (51) formed has two sets of ribs, one set extending outwardly away from the tube (21) and the other set extending inwardly within the tube (21) and parts of the flange between adjacent ribs lying in a plane substantially at right angles to the wall of the tube (21).

Abstract: A device for slipping a tube on the mandrel of a bending machine includes a support upon which a pair of slides are slidably mounted for movement in a direction parallel to the axis of the mandrel. A double arm lever is pivotally mounted to each slide, about axes parallel to the axis of the mandrel and a cylinder is mounted between the first ends of the levers. Gripping jaws are removably mounted to holders rotatably connected to the other ends of the levers, the gripping jaws being adapted to clamp a tube to be bent therebetween on opposite sides of the mandrel. A further cylinder is provided for moving the slides in a direction parallel to the axis of the mandrel.