Between And Co-planar With Opposed Tools Patents (Class 72/389.1)
  • Patent number: 11974795
    Abstract: System and method for automatically bending a surgical rod are provided. The system includes a linear movement device configured to axially feed the surgical rod, a rotational movement device configured to rotate the surgical rod as it is axially fed, and a bending device including a roller to impose bending forces against the rod. The rod is free from contact with the bending device after it is axially fed past the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: DIGNITY HEALTH
    Inventors: Neil R. Crawford, Nicholas Theodore, Philip M. Reyes, Anna G. U. S. Newcomb, Seungwon Baek
  • Patent number: 11577294
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a shaped sheet metal component from a billet by means of U O forming, wherein firstly a preform is created by the U-forming and then a final shaping is performed by the O forming to give a final form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Guenter Fortmeier, Aloys Schroeder, Matthias Koerner, Eugen Seibel, Thomas Henksmeier
  • Patent number: 10507310
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a guide member configured with stress limiting features which function to prevent the stress from bending the guide member causing ovalization of the guide member. An apparatus for bending a guide member includes a ram die and a pressure die which are configured to fully encircle the portion of the guide member during the bending operation. A fixture for supporting a guide member during bending is configured to fully encircle sections of the guide member during bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Matlock, Jason R. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140175249
    Abstract: A rail guide that has at least one rail pair consisting of a floor rail (22) and a seat rail (24). The seat rail (24) has means (30) for fastening a seat frame to be arranged above the rail pair. The rails can be moved relative to each other in a longitudinal direction along a movement path (20). The floor rail (22) and the seat rail (24) are curved by the same circular radius of curvature (42) that ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 mm, in particular between 1,800 and 2,500 mm. The center point of curvature (44) is on the side of the rail pair facing away from the seat frame. The rail guide is a longitudinal adjustment device having a stationary spindle (52) and an associated spindle nut (54) that is longitudinally movable thereon, the spindle (52) being curved at the same circular radius of curvature (42). Also disclosed is a suitable method for producing said curved rails by means of at least one stamping mold (68) or by means of bending strips (96).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Burckhard Becker, Ingo Kienke, Alexander Balin, Kurt Seibold
  • Publication number: 20140165689
    Abstract: Press brakes capable of a high processing accuracy and short cycle times are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: FINN-POWER ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Luigi Patuzzi, Martti Vesa
  • Publication number: 20140123723
    Abstract: A press brake includes a first guide rail on one side, a second guide rail on another side, an ATC device and a first measurement portion movable on the first guide rail, and a second measurement portion movable on the second guide rail. The first and second measurement portions measure a bent angle of a workpiece. The second guide rail is different from the first guide rail in their cross-sectional shapes. The first measurement portion includes a main unit having a sensor, and a first coupling portion coupling the main unit with the first guide rail. The second measurement portion includes the main unit, and a second coupling portion different from the first coupling portion coupling the main unit with the second guide rail. The ATC device and the measurement portions can be made coexistent and the main units of the measurement portions can be made identical to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: AMADA COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Hidehiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8601855
    Abstract: A vise apparatus with a bending fixture is disclosed in which the bending fixture includes a collection of projections on an operative and substantially vertical front face of a holding arrangement of the vise apparatus. The bending fixture supports and enables gravity assisted bending of a workpiece. The vise apparatus promotes bending workpieces with reduced effort and minimizes manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: James E. Hamm, Prasad Chatursingh Patil, Sachin Shashikant Dakare, Mahesh Janardan Patil, Nilesh Vidyadhar Puntambekar
  • Patent number: 8561445
    Abstract: A can rounding system and method that uses arms that are able to maintain cans in a concentric arrangement during the welding process. The arms enable the can rounding system to maintain the concentric positions in order to achieve improved circular dimensions and increase the overall efficiency in the construction of cylindrical and conical structures, such as wind towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: SMI & Hydraulics, Inc.
    Inventors: David Schrunk, Mitch Groen
  • Patent number: 8516875
    Abstract: A repairing kit for automotive dents includes a body, a draw bar, a spring, a pull seat, a pull piece, a grab bar, a handle, two foot stands and two foot pieces. The repairing kit can be used to repair automotive dents and restore a smooth surface to an automobile using a DIY method, without damaging the baking finish surface after repairing the automotive dent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Chan
  • Patent number: 8511131
    Abstract: A cable bending tool comprises a drive housing including a powered drive element. A jaw assembly comprises first and second jaws hingedly connected to one another. The drive element is selectively operated to cause the first and second jaws to move between a neutral and an actuated position. A bending shoe is secured to a distal end of the first jaw. An arm with opposite rollers is secured to a distal end of the second jaw and extends transversely to a path of movement of the jaws. The rollers support a cable with the bending shoe on an opposite side of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Huskie Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Latoria
  • Patent number: 8438894
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bending press comprising an upper table (130) and a lower table (132) placed edge-to-edge in the vertical direction, with one of the tables being movable relative to the other in the vertical direction, and with one of the tables presenting slots (134, 136) that are placed symmetrically relative to the midplane (P?P). Each slot has an open outside end and comprises a first slot portion (135a, 137a) and a second slot portion (135b, 137b) that is situated on the inside relative to the first slot portion and that is connected thereto, the shapes of said slot portions being such that the stiffness of the table portion situated between the slot and the tool fastener is greater between the first slot portion and the tool fastener than between the second slot portion and the tool fastener. At least one element (180) for adjusting the flexing of said table is disposed in the first slot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bjarne Hansen
  • Patent number: 8413480
    Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending a metal member includes at least one die, a punch disposed on an opposite side of the die through the metal member for pressurizing the metal member by relatively moving with respect to the die to perform bending, and a knock out die for supporting the metal member when the bending is performed. Friction generated on a surface of the knock out die for receiving the metal member becomes smaller continuously or gradually from a center portion toward side portions thereof in a bending ridge line direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Matsui
  • Patent number: 8375764
    Abstract: A pipe bender includes first and second handles pivotably secured together wherein the second handle includes first and second rotatable pipe receiving grooves at both ends of a forward U; a support member threadedly fastened between a forward bifurcation of the first handle, the support member comprising a spring depressible detent on the bottom, and a plurality of markings on the top; and a slide member comprising a plurality of parallel arcuate pipe receiving channels of different arcuate perimeters on a lower surface, a central U-shaped trough on the top for receiving a lower portion of the support member, retaining holes on the bottom of the U-shaped trough, each retaining hole being aligned with one pipe receiving channel and one retaining hole adapted to lockingly receive the detent for positioning. The slide member is slidably retained by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chang Yang Huang
  • Patent number: 8347496
    Abstract: Methods are provided for automatically crimping terminals or connectors to wires wherein the terminals or connectors are provided in strip form and may be of varying sizes, shapes, and pitches. A method according to the present invention includes providing a plurality of terminal connectors, the connectors being secured to a terminal strip in side-by-side relationship with their axes extending laterally from the strip; moving a crimping die on a ram through a working stroke towards, and a return stroke away from, a crimping anvil to crimp an individual terminal connector located therebetween onto a wire during each working stroke of the ram; and indexing the strip between successive crimping operations thereby to locate a next leading connector on the strip between the die and anvil, wherein the strip is indexed by a drive mechanism contacting the strip through pressure-engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: SureTech Assembly, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley Thomas Garner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8276428
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing profiles from a sheet includes at least one work station with a base plate and two die halves, wherein the die halves and the base plate extend in the longitudinal direction of the profile to be manufactured, and the die halves are arranged on the base plate movable relative to one another perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile. A generic device and method for manufacturing profiles with which even heavily structured profiles can be economically produced with high flexibility, is provided by a punch for forming the sheet. The punch is movable perpendicular to the relative movement of the die halves and perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile to be manufactured. The base plate has a die adapted to the punch, in which the sheet is formed, and the die of the base plate and the punch pertaining to it are exchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventors: Michael Brüggenbrock, Thomas Flehmig, Mohamed Tohfa, Alexander Herold, Peter Münchenbach, Joachim Raps
  • Patent number: 8256262
    Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending a metal member includes at least one die, a punch disposed on an opposite side of the die through the metal member for pressurizing the metal member by relatively moving with respect to the die to perform bending, and a knock out die for supporting the metal member when the bending is performed. Friction generated on a surface of the knock out die for receiving the metal member becomes smaller continuously or gradually from a center portion toward side portions thereof in a bending ridge line direction. In addition, a surface of the knock out die includes multiple grooves formed at the side portions thereof in the bending ridge line direction, and widths of the multiple grooves become larger continuously or gradually from the center portion toward the side portions of the knock out die in the bending ridge line direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Matsui
  • Patent number: 8250762
    Abstract: Projections of a bevel gear or a vibrating body are formed by bending a metal-made plate member having a plurality of projections so as to direct them in the same direction and make their projecting direction include a component of out-of-plane direction and subsequently applying a load to the bent plate member to crush the projections so as to reduce the height thereof and increase the plate thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Tamai
  • Patent number: 8245557
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bending press or “press brake” for bending metal sheets, wherein the press includes at least one linking rod, which rod is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the movement direction, having one end that is fastened to the deformable portion of the second table and having its other end fastened to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Philippe Jacquet, Bjarne Hansen
  • Patent number: 8220304
    Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for cambering, forming, folding or bending a bar, a wire or an extruded shape. The invention includes a bending form provided with a clamping system, a device for orienting the tube, and a bending jaw (8). The bending jaw is prismatic and machined to the tube radius on at least one of its surfaces. The kinematics of the displacement of the bending jaw in a peripheral area at the bending form is provided by any combination of at least two, rectilinear or rotating, movements. The bending jaw is steerable in rotation about a median axis perpendicular to the bending plane. The bending jaw is mobile in the vertical direction to provide multiple bending operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Numalliance
    Inventor: Joël Etienne
  • Publication number: 20120085141
    Abstract: A pipe bender includes first and second handles pivotably secured together wherein the second handle includes first and second rotatable pipe receiving grooves at both ends of a forward U; a support member threadedly fastened between a forward bifurcation of the first handle, the support member comprising a spring depressible detent on the bottom, and a plurality of markings on the top; and a slide member comprising a plurality of parallel arcuate pipe receiving channels of different arcuate perimeters on a lower surface, a central U-shaped trough on the top for receiving a lower portion of the support member, retaining holes on the bottom of the U-shaped trough, each retaining hole being aligned with one pipe receiving channel and one retaining hole adapted to lockingly receive the detent for positioning. The slide member is slidably retained by the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Chang Yang Huang
  • Patent number: 8061027
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically crimping terminals or connectors to wires wherein the terminals or connectors are provided in strip form and may be of varying sizes, shapes, and pitches. A method according to the present invention includes providing a plurality of terminal connectors, the connectors being secured to a terminal strip in side-by-side relationship with their axes extending laterally from the strip; moving a crimping die on a ram through a working stroke towards, and a return stroke away from, a crimping anvil to crimp an individual terminal connector located therebetween onto a wire during each working stroke of the ram; and indexing the strip between successive crimping operations thereby to locate a next leading connector on the strip between the die and anvil, wherein the strip is indexed by a drive mechanism contacting the strip through pressure-engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: CTI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley Thomas Garner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8061175
    Abstract: The invention deals with a sheet-metal bending machine containing a lower machine part and an upper machine part mounted on it in a movable way where on either of the upper and lower machine part there is a pair of working tools designed as a bending arm and a holding arm where the principle is that the upper machine part (3), or at least the pair of the working tools connected to it, is, in relation to the lower machine part (2), or at least in relation to the pair of the working tools connected to it in the feeding direction (L) of the processed metal sheet (14), mounted in a mutually horizontally sliding bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Reinhard Franze
  • Publication number: 20110259075
    Abstract: A pipe bending machine has a beam mounted in see-saw pivotal relation on a fulcrum and spaced apart cradles support the pipe. An actuator initially drives the second cradle and the beam apart to pivot the pipe about the first cradle until the pipe is in contact with the die and thereafter drives the beam away from the second cradle to bend the pipe against the die. The mechanical advantage of the levered operation requires only a single actuator motion to bend the pipe. An external mandrel allows the pipe to be incrementally fed through the bending machine and secures the pipe against cross-sectional distortion during the bending process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Bryan R. Kirchmer, Laprentis Eugene McIntosh
  • Publication number: 20100229620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bending press or “press brake” for bending metal sheets, wherein the press includes at least one linking rod, which rod is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the movement direction, having one end that is fastened to the deformable portion of the second table and having its other end fastened to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Amada Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Jacquet, Bjarne Hansen
  • Patent number: 7721583
    Abstract: A pipe bending shoe including a support frame, a pipe channel defined by a first bending frame connected with the support frame and by a second bending frame connected with the support frame, and a plurality of flexible straps spaced along the pipe channel and spanning the pipe channel transversely between the first bending frame and the second bending frame in order to provide a transversely segmented pipe sling, wherein the pipe sling maintains a constant convex longitudinal sling profile during bending of a pipe using the pipe bending shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Proline Pipe Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford B. Anderson, David Styre, Brian Thicke
  • Patent number: 7669448
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a thin wall sheet with first and second edge portions into a shell with a predetermined body configuration and a lockseam in which the edge portions are folded over each other. The apparatus includes a mandrel, a means for at least partially wrapping the sheet around the mandrel into the predetermined body configuration, and a number of gathering bars for engaging the sheet to configure the first and second edge portions according to a predetermined design. The apparatus also includes a number of forming bars for forming the first and second edge portions into respective preselected shapes extending above the top side of the mandrel, and a number of lockseaming rollers for folding the first and second edge portions over each other to form the lockseam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Mohamed Gharib
  • Publication number: 20100024510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a press die set for forming a flange that bends an edge of a part, such as a door panel and a hood panel, at a right angle in a press-forming direction and bends an edge adjacent to the edge at a negative angle, and a flange forming method. The press die set for forming a flange according to the present invention can accomplish the flange formation described above in one step, has a simple structure, and is easy to maintain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: HIROTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichi SASAKI, Nobuyuki SHIOZAKI
  • Patent number: 7650773
    Abstract: In primary press forming process, a piece of blank sheet metal is draw worked so as to form a preformed work piece (Wb) provided with a bent portion (a) substantially conforming to a three dimensional contour of a leading edge of a blade to be protected and extending along a longitudinal direction, and a pair of planar portions (b and c) extending from either side of the bent portion. In a secondary press forming process, the planar portions (b and c) of the preformed work piece are stretch formed into a final shape that conforms to the corresponding profile of the blade while the bent portion (a) of the preformed work piece is clamped and protected from deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Shikano, Keizo Matsumoto, Tsugio Saito
  • Publication number: 20090293576
    Abstract: A bending machine having: a punch and a die for bending a sheet-shaped work; pressurizing means which pressurizes the work in a space between the punch and the die by vertically moving a ram; inputting means (23) which inputs die information on the punch and the die, material information on the work and bending information; a database (25) which stores data on a pressure per unit length required for bending the work; calculating means (29) which calculates a pressure necessary for the pressurizing means based on various information inputted from the inputting means (23) and on the data on the pressure stored in the database (25); and controlling means (31) which controls the pressurizing means based on a result of calculation by the calculating means (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: AMADA COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Takahiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 7624612
    Abstract: An angle adjuster for a golf club shaft includes a pressing part that can advance and retreat towards and away from a space between two pressing force receiving parts. The pressing force receiving parts include grooves configured to receive a golf club shaft. When the pressing part is advanced against the golf club shaft, a bending force is applied to the shaft at a bending location on the shaft that lies between the pressing force receiving parts. This occurs while the shaft is received in, the receiving grooves of the pressing force receiving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Japana Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Toda, Yukio Tani, Katsunori Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20090260412
    Abstract: A curling die tool includes an upper die, a transmission, and a lower die. The upper die includes an upper-die body and a warping-bending pressure portion for a workpiece. The warping-bending pressure portion includes a punch member and is secured to the upper-die body. The transmission member includes a first supporting body corresponding to the punch member supporting the workpiece, along with a curling pressure portion. The transmission member defines a first supporting groove facing the upper die receiving the first supporting body, along with a curling-pressure-portion receiving groove opposite to the first supporting groove receiving the curling pressure portion. The lower die includes a second supporting body facing the curling pressure portion, supporting the workpiece, and defining a guiding groove and a second supporting groove receiving the second supporting body. The transmission member is movably connected to the lower die and slides along the guiding groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YI-HUA LIU, FU-SHUN HUANG, CHIA-HSIANG OU
  • Publication number: 20090255307
    Abstract: A tool for correcting the twist angle of a turbine blade includes an adaptor configured to engage a tip of the blade, a socket drive configured to engage the adaptor, a first handle connected to a first side of the socket drive, a second handle connected to a second side of the socket drive, and a torque gauge configured to measure a load applied to the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ephraim C. Davis, Bryan G. Parrette, Larry D. Cronin
  • Publication number: 20090211328
    Abstract: A plate workpiece processing machine includes a workpiece support, a tool punch holder, a tool die holder, a tool drive, multiple tool punches, and multiple tool dies. Various tool punches and tool dies have tool heads of differing heights. The tool punch holder is positionable based on the tool head height of a tool punch secured to the tool punch holder and/or the tool die holder is positionable based on the tool head height of a tool die secured to the tool die holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Bytow
  • Publication number: 20090120156
    Abstract: A bending angle detecting device for a workpiece used in a bending machine that bends the workpiece in cooperation of upper and lower tools. The bending angle detecting device has a detector which includes a casing and which can detect a bending angle of the workpiece with the casing fixed in contact with a contact portion of the lower tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: AMADA COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hidekatsu IKEDA, Ken HATANO
  • Patent number: 7412863
    Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Amada Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichio Akami, Koichi Ishibashi, Teruyuki Kubota, Tetsuaki Kato, Jun Sato, Tetsuya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7401490
    Abstract: A cold-formed, raised-center axle for a heavy-duty vehicle includes a central tube having a pair of ends, a pair of spindles attached to the central tube ends, and a wall thickness of from about 0.500 to about 0.625 inches. A hump is formed in the center portion of the tube and includes compressive residual stresses in its bottom portion when the axle is in an in-service position. A method for forming the raised-center axle includes the steps of providing a substantially straight axle, inserting the axle into a press, over-forming a hump in the axle in the direction such that camber is induced in the axle, and forming the axle in a second direction, thereby substantially removing the camber and replacing a detrimental residual stress state in the humped portion of the axle with a beneficial residual stress state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Greg Copeland, Matthew VanMeter, R. Scott Fulton
  • Publication number: 20080098790
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for bending a sheet of media are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Louis C. Barinaga, Robert M. Yraceburu, Jason S. Belbey
  • Patent number: 7325435
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a tube having an inverted cross section and the resulting tube made thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Noble International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Hamel, Kalyan Palanisamy, Charles Louis Palms
  • Patent number: 7310987
    Abstract: A bend-straightening machine with a vertically movable table for straightening long workpieces is provided. The bend-straightening machine of the present disclosure includes straightening supports for supporting a workpiece mounted on a movable table which moves in a vertical plane driven by a driving mechanism. The machine is constructed as a rigid frame including a base for supporting at least one upright column. A fixed bridge is joined to an upper portion of the upright column and supplies a stationary surface for mounting at least two workpiece holding fixtures, which grip the ends of the workpiece, allowing the workpiece to be rotated. Also, mounted to the bridge is at least one straightening punch which remains stationary during straightening. The moving table and straightening supports act vertically upward on the workpiece causing the workpiece to bend, i.e., straighten, when it contacts the straightening punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Eitel Presses, Inc.
    Inventor: Reese Rupert
  • Patent number: 7210321
    Abstract: The centreline runout (a) and out of roundness (b) of a shaft (100) is measured by measuring the distance between the central longitudinal axis (102) of the shaft (100) and each of a plurality of angularly spaced measurement points (103) located on the outer surface of the shaft in a measurement plane (18) using a measuring device (10). The position of the centroid (104) of the shaft at the measurement plane (18) is calculated along with the distance between the centroid (104) and the shaft central longitudinal axis (102), providing a centreline runout measurement (a). The distance between each measurement point (103) and the centroid (104) is calculated with these distances being used to calculate an out of round measurement (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian M. George
  • Patent number: 7162903
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a drive shaft (11) for a vehicle, the drive shaft (11) having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. There is provided a drive arrangement for coupling to the first end of the drive shaft and applying a rotatory force to the drive shaft (11). A second end support arrangement rotationally supports the drive shaft (11) at its second end. Also, a transaxial drive (35) for applying a transverse force in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (11). The transaxial drive includes a transaxially displaceable roller arrangement for communicating with an outer surface of the drive shaft (11) in a region thereof intermediate of the drive arrangement and the support arrangement, via which the transverse force is applied. The transverse force has a magnitude sufficient to cause bending of the drive shaft (11) in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof as the drive shaft is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Veri-Tek International Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Juranitch, Robert D. Olschefski
  • Patent number: 7065994
    Abstract: A permanent invisible magnetic marking and positioning system of unfinished steel rods, spring steel bars, workpieces, and the like. A midpoint or center of the rod, bar or workpiece is automatically located and a high-energy pulse is applied for an embedded magnetic marker in the workpiece. Meanwhile, the magnetizing heads can also be repositioned to various points on a workpiece for imparting manufacturing and product identification data. In the case of leaf springs, the center of a spring steel bar is located a magnetic marker is embedded there. A high-energy rectangular pulse imparts a permanent invisible magnetic marks and data. The embedded indicators having peak magnetic strength allow manual or automatic positioning for perfect alignment in bending, tapping and other forming processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Donald M. Danko, Joseph H. Taddeo
  • Patent number: 7047789
    Abstract: An improved pipe bending apparatus comprising a plurality of belts supporting the minor radius of the bend. The belts cannot support stresses sufficient to allow concentrated stress to cause the pipe walls to collapse. The belts are affixed to a framework that forces the belts into the sides of the pipe, thereby providing support to maintain ovality of the pipe cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald E. Theener
  • Patent number: 7004005
    Abstract: A bending press for bending metal plates for the production of large diameter pipe has an articulation for the upper die member which reduces bending moments as applied to the bending sword or ram. The articulation can be between the upper die and the foot of the bending sword and a second articulation can be provided between the bending sword and the head of it affixed to the head of the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: SMS Meer GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Feldmann, Manfred Kolbe
  • Patent number: 7000447
    Abstract: A machine for bending thin wall electrical conduit having first and second spaced apart forming shoes, each having partial arcuate forming surfaces and a movable arcuate shaped third forming shoe mounted on the tabletop between the first and second forming shoes connected to an actuator for lineal movement forcing a section of tubing against the first and second forming surfaces with quick release retention wheels mounted on a flat plate in a cavity in the tabletop, the cavity having a load-supporting vertical edge for supporting the retention members under load and a pocket on the opposite side from the load supporting edge receiving an edge of the plate preventing it from lifting out of the cavity under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Vernon D. Burkhart
  • Patent number: 6959572
    Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece such as a cast turbine blade allows bending and/or twist correction of the workpiece with the movable ram of a press. The fixture includes a base and a pair of workpiece supports mounted at spaced locations on the base. A bearing such as a spherical swivel bearing is included in each workpiece support. Each bearing has a mount receiving a portion of the workpiece therein. When the workpiece is supported by the bearing mounts along a support axis, and is engaged by the press ram intermediate the workpiece supports for bending correction, the bearings and workpiece can move in at least one plane including the support axis. Preferably, the bearings also allow rotational movement about the support axis, while a rotation imparting member allows twist correction by rotational movement of one bearing and the workpiece portion therein with respect to the other bearing which is restricted from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: ProEnterpriz, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip G. Lawrence, Frederick W. Hohman, Jeffrey R. Braak
  • Patent number: 6948277
    Abstract: Methods for making trellis support structures for use in supporting vine borne crops are disclosed. The support structure includes a metallic support member that is bent into a modified U-shape and attached to a metallic cross arm using a process that produces consistent results. The combination of the U-shaped member and cross arm is then attached to a vertical support post at two different locations: one attachment at the center of the U-shaped member, and the other attachment at the center of the cross arm in an axial alignment with the support post. The structure is extremely strong, capable of supporting considerable weight, not likely to shift, and less prone to failure from fatigue. The support structure is produced by first bending the central section of a metallic support member into a U-shape, placing the bent member on a specially designed adjustable jig, and attaching a cross arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: A & P Ag Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: David Parrish
  • Patent number: 6865921
    Abstract: A material bender for bending a stock material into a desired shape. The material bender has a base plate on which is mounted a die holder that holds a die shaped to provide the desired bend shape, a ram guide configured to provide a ram path for guiding a bending ram that pushes against the stock material, and various upwardly projecting pins configured to support the material as it is bent by the bending ram. In one configuration, the bending ram pushes against the stock material to cause it to bend against the die. In another configuration, the bending ram pushes against the stock material to cause it to bend against one or more of the upwardly projecting pins. The base plate is configured to be mounted on a mounting plate of a mounting apparatus that includes a support frame configured to attach to the hitch of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Simon Charles Simonian
  • Patent number: 6823707
    Abstract: A mobile flange press adapted to be mounted on a flange of a workpiece I-beam and moved thereon including at least one clamp that contacts an underside of the flange of the workpiece I-beam, at least one hydraulic cylinder adapted to apply vertical downward pressure on the flange with resulting upward pressure at the ends of the flange to straighten the flange, and a drive mechanism for moving the mobile flange press along the flange of the workpiece I-beam to another portion of the flange. In addition, a method of straightening flanges of a workpiece I-beam where the mobile flange press is moved along the workpiece I-beam while straightening the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ABL Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: Russel Andras, Kenneth Caillouet
  • Patent number: 6807839
    Abstract: A method cold folds a hollow tube of magnesium material. The method includes providing an inner rib at opposite sides of a hollow square tube made of magnesium material, accommodating the square tube by having opposed ends of the square tube received in an upper portion guide member of a female mold, in an inner portion of the square tube received in a lower portion protection member of a male mold, and lowering the male mold to fold the square tube by the combination of a curved surface portion of the male mold and a curved surface of the female mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Tutomu Takamatu