Abstract: A rod bender for bending a surgical rod includes first and second arms. The first arm includes first and second engaging portions. The second arm includes third and fourth engaging portions. The rod bender is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the second and fourth engaging portions of the respective first and second arms engage the surgical rod such that spreading of the first and third engaging portions of the respective first and second arms bends the surgical rod in a first orientation and a second configuration in which the first engaging portion of the first arm and the fourth engaging portion of the second arm engage the surgical rod such that spreading of the second engaging portion of the first arm and the third engaging portion of the second arm bends the surgical rod in a second orientation opposite to the first orientation.

Abstract: A clampable pipe bender is provided having a pivotable base plate coupled to a clamp. Atop the pivotable base plate is a pipe bending assembly with a pivotable holding clamp. The pivotable holding clamp is locked in place by way of a pull pin. The pipe bending assembly is comprised of at least one but preferably a plurality of channels into any of which a pipe can be inserted for bending purpose.

Abstract: A robotic system for driving a guide wire into a human patient includes a robotic tool to change shape the tip of the guide wire and a robotic control system providing signals to operate the guide wire shaping tool.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, portable tubing bender configured to enable one-handed operation. The tubing bender includes a portable housing including a handle portion, a bender shoe operably coupled to the portable housing, the bender shoe defining an arcuate channel configured to restrain a length of tubing along a prescribed arc during bending operations, a guide gear fixedly coupled to the bender shoe, and a guide frame pivotably coupled to the bender shoe, the guide frame including a motor, a driven gear and a guide member, the motor configured to drive the driven gear along the guide gear to pivot the guide frame relative to the bender shoe, so as to move the guide member during bending operations to guide the length of tubing along the arcuate channel of the bender shoe.

Abstract: A bending wheel of a tube bending apparatus includes a tube-accepting recess, proximal and distal wheel faces, and a rotation recess. The proximal wheel face includes a lever pivot anchor. A cam insert includes a shaft having a tool driving feature. The shaft is configured for selective insertion into the rotation recess. The cam insert includes a camming flange, which includes a lever urging feature. A keeper lever includes a keeper finger rigidly connected to a laterally extending lever arm and extending longitudinally from the proximal wheel face. An anchor end of the lever arm includes an arm pivot feature and a spaced-apart cam following feature configured to interact with the lever urging feature. Rotation of the cam insert causes rotation of the lever urging feature to drive the cam following feature of the keeper lever and pivot the lever arm in the same rotational direction.

Abstract: A conduit bender to assist with the bending of a conduit includes a lever defining a longitudinal axis and having a free end and a fixed end, a head assembly configured to receive a conduit to be bent, a rotary assembly operably coupling the fixed end of the lever to the head assembly such that the lever is pivotable relative to the head to a position corresponding to desired bend angle, and a level disposed at the free end of the rotary lever and aligned on the longitudinal axis such that the level indicates a level condition when a conduit is bent to the desired bend angle.

Abstract: A lever bender includes a first handle pivotally attached to a second handle. The first handle includes a forming mandrel around which a pipe is bent and a stop member for receiving and substantially holding the pipe in place prior to bending. The second handle includes a forming head that engages and bends the pipe around the forming mandrel. The stop member includes a pipe-engaging member that receives a pipe and a locking member adjacent to the pipe-engaging member. The locking member includes a retaining member moveable between a projecting position where the retaining member secures the pipe between the pipe-engaging member and the locking member and a retracted position permitting a pipe to either be received within the pipe-engaging member or removed from the pipe-engaging member.

Abstract: A bending apparatus which manufactures a bent metal member with high productivity and excellent dimensional has a first support mechanism, which supports a steel tube while feeding it, a heating mechanism, which heats all or a portion of the steel tube, a cooling mechanism, which forms a high temperature portion in part of the steel tube by cooling a portion of the heater steel tube, a second support mechanism, which imparts a bending moment to the high temperature portion and bends the steel tube to a desired shape by moving two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting at least a portion of the steel tube, and a deformation preventing mechanism, which prevents deformation of the steel tube. At least one of the second support mechanism and the deformation preventing mechanism has a chuck which has a tubular member with a circular, polygonal, or special transverse cross section for gripping the steel tube.

Abstract: A dent removal tool for removing dents from automobile panels is provided. The tool includes a body with a handle on one end and a rest plate for contacting the body panel on the opposite end. A clamp for gripping one or more studs which have been welded to the body panel is located between the handle and the rest plate. The tool gives an automobile repair technician a high degree of mechanical advantage and control in removing dents from body panels.

Abstract: A pair of bidirectional pipe bending pliers comprises: a first handle and a second handle. The first handle includes a first handle portion and a first pipe-bending portion, and the second handle includes a second handle portion and a second pipe-bending portion. When the first and second pipe-bending portions are closed toward each other to carry out clamping operation, the first and third bending grooves will define a first pipe-bending path therebetween, while the second and fourth bending grooves will also define a second pipe-bending path, the first and second pipe-bending paths extend in different axial directions.

Abstract: A dent removal tool for removing dents from automobile panels is provided. The tool includes a body with a handle on one end and a rest plate for contacting the body panel on the opposite end. A clamp for gripping one or more studs which have been welded to the body panel is located between the handle and the rest plate. The tool gives an automobile repair technician a high degree of mechanical advantage and control in removing dents from body panels.

Abstract: A sheet of expanded metal produced by slitting a sheet of metal, and stretching along a stretching direction, which sheet of expanded metal forms a grid of openings having a first repetition length in the stretching direction and a second repetition length in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction, wherein the first and second repetition lengths are substantially equal. A sheet of expanded metal having a stretching angle larger than 90 degrees. Use of a sheet of expanded metal according to the invention for supporting a bundle of parallel tubes. A method of manufacturing expanded metal from pre-expanded metal, wherein expansion force is applied at a plurality of points perpendicular to the stretching direction, wherein the expansion force is applied using a plurality of force transmitters co-operating with the plurality of points, and wherein the force transmitters are arranged so that they can move towards each other in the second direction while applying extension force.

Abstract: A powered conduit bending tool comprises a portable drive housing including a handle and having a powered drive gear. A bracket is secured to the housing defining a pivot connection spaced from the drive gear. A guide is operatively secured to the housing. A platform is pivotally connected to the bracket at the pivot connection and includes a driven gear operatively engaging the drive gear to controllably pivot the platform. A shoe is removably mountable to the platform and comprises a first bender defining a downwardly opening arcuate channel selectively positionable proximate the guide. A hook is proximate one end of the bender for engaging a conduit received in the channel. In use, the guide supports a conduit engaged by the hook and pivotal movement of the shoe driven by the platform deforms the conduit as it passes by the guide.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for long workpieces, especially tubes, to form a curved section extending between two bend end points (A, B) on the tube wherein the curved section is located about a center bend point X, distanced from a reference position (P) by a predetermined distance (L) extending along a tube, wherein the bending apparatus includes a bending segment rotatable about a pivotal axis so that the tube is positioned on a semicircular scale with a starting zero point of 0° to mark the start of the curved section at one of the bend end points (A, B), which point is designated as a bending-start point, characterized, in that the apparatus has a bend length-selector having at least one measurement edge the measurement edge aligning with the center bend point (X) to automatically place the tube at the bending-start point and at the 0° mark of the bending segment upon the placement of the tube in the bending apparatus.

Abstract: A powered conduit bending tool comprises a portable drive housing including a handle and having a powered drive gear. A bracket is secured to the housing defining a pivot connection spaced from the drive gear. A guide is operatively secured to the housing. A platform is pivotally connected to the bracket at the pivot connection and includes a driven gear operatively engaging the drive gear to controllably pivot the platform. A shoe is removably mountable to the platform and comprises a first bender defining a downwardly opening arcuate channel selectively positionable proximate the guide. A hook is proximate one end of the bender for engaging a conduit received in the channel. In use, the guide supports a conduit engaged by the hook and pivotal movement of the shoe driven by the platform deforms the conduit as it passes by the guide.

Abstract: A dent removal tool for removing dents from automobile panels is provided. The tool includes a body with a handle on one end and a rest plate for contacting the body panel on the opposite end. A clamp for gripping one or more studs which have been welded to the body panel is located between the handle and the rest plate. The tool gives an automobile repair technician a high degree of mechanical advantage and control in removing dents from body panels.

Abstract: An accessory for a conduit bender has a support member which attaches to the handle of the conduit bender. The support member includes a hand hold for grasping during conventional bending. The support member defines an anti-skid surface. The anti-skid surface has an area greater than the cross-sectional area of the conduit bender handle. When the handle is placed on a horizontal surface for a shoulder bend the anti-skid surface engages the horizontal surface and prevents the handle from skidding or slipping on the horizontal surface. An aperture in the anti-skid surface receives the end of a conduit for bend backs.

Abstract: A pipe hand bender with v-shaped milled degree ports to accommodate various style stop members and shallow cut degree slots in the outer edges of the bend through walls using a snap in place stop member with v-dents matched to the v-ports.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) or repairing dented bearing cages (50) comprises: a first contact surface (122) for contacting an outer diameter of the bearing cage (50); a second contact surface (126) for contacting an inner diameter of the bearing cage (50); a first handle (102); a second handle (104) operatively connected to the first handle (102) via a pivot mechanism (106); a retraction element (108) connected to the second contact surface (126); and an adjustment mechanism (116). The retraction element (108) retracts upon movement of the second handle (104) relative to the first handle (102) to move the second contact surface (126) towards the first contact surface (122) so as to impart a force against a dented region of the bearing cage (50) located between the second contact surface (126) and the first contact surface (122).

Abstract: A pipe hand bender with v-shaped milled degree ports to accommodate various style stop members and shallow cut degree slots in the outer edges of the bend through walls using a snap in place stop member with v-dents matched to the v-ports.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending stock to an acute angle. A hydraulic cylinder with a ram extendable under hydraulic pressure provides the bending power. The ram automatically retracts from an extended position when hydraulic pressure is removed. One end of an apparatus supporting arm consists of a slide bar. The slide bar end of the arm is secured to a support with the opposite end pivotably mounting a forming die and a lever. The lever pivotably mounts a forming roller. The lever carries the forming roller around the die and bend stock secured to the die around the die. A slide is slideably attached to the slide bar. The cylinder and ram are pivotably attached extending between the slide and the lever.

Abstract: A pipe bending angle indicator comprising two protractors with pivoting pointers. The protractors are mounted to stand-offs which in turn are mounted to their respective bases. The base holds the tool in the proper position. The base is held onto the conduit by means of an elastic cord. The elastic cord is stretched tightly around the conduit and secured in a notch in the clip at the stand-off. The stand-off allows the string to clear any pins, or protrusions as the bending progresses.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to said forming member, and a release member movable relative to said handle and configured to be secured in a locked position relative to said forming member when said handle is selectively moved to any of one said at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between said handle and said forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.

Abstract: A three version precision degree pipe hand bender using stop members inserted into degree slots cut into a bender head outer periphery to signal pipe bend completion as the pipe being bent touches a stop member.

Abstract: An improved tubing bender of the type having a mounting base, a mandrel mounted upon the mounting base and having a tube recess, and a tube retainer mounted upon the mounting base. It is improved by the tube retainer being mounted upon the mounting base by a snap-lock journal.

Abstract: The manual pipe bender has a stationary handle, a head, a bending die, a bending lever, and a bending handle. The stationary handle has a distal end, and the head is attached to the stationary handle. The bending die has a bending surface and multiple ratchet teeth. The bending lever attaches the bending die rotatably to the head. The bending handle is attached to and rotates the bending die around the head and has a drive bracket that engages a selected ratchet tooth on the bending die to keep the handles from crossing. Consequently, bending acute angles in pipes is convenient.

Abstract: A dent repair system includes a hammer apparatus comprising an elongated base member with proximate and distal ends. An elongated swing member with proximate and distal ends is pivotally mounted on the base member by a hinge assembly mounted on and pivotally connecting the members at their proximate ends. A tip is mounted on the base member distal end and an impact head is mounted on the swing member distal end. The swing member is movable between a splayed position with the impact head spaced from the base member distal end and a closed position with the impact head engaging the base member distal end. A pry bar apparatus includes primary, extension and handle sections. The primary section mounts a head assembly adapted for engaging and straightening a dent. A dent repair method includes the steps of straightening a dent with the hammer apparatus and with the pry bar apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus to form bends in a substantially rectangular metal frame. The substantially rectangular metal frame is selectively positioned in an elongated radius bend jig. The elongated radius bend jig has a pivotally connected mandrel that has an inverted J-shaped die formed at one end. The mandrel is actuated and the inverted J-shaped die engages the substantially rectangular metal frame causing an indentation in the substantially rectangular metal frame. The process of die stamping the substantially rectangular metal frame is continued until a selected radius is formed in the frame.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to said forming member, and a release member movable relative to said handle and configured to be secured in a locked position relative to said forming member when said handle is selectively moved to any of one said at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between said handle and said forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending a tube, a pipe, a conduit and/or a rod. A bender is rotatably mounted with respect to a frame. A guide element, such as a guide roller, is mounted with respect to the frame. The guide element or the guide roller can be fixed or can move with respect to the frame. The combination of the frame, the bender and the guide element can be conveniently transported, assembled, disassembled and used at any job site or construction location.

Abstract: A bending apparatus is especially adapted for mounting to a vise to hold the bending apparatus in an aligned position so that the bending apparatus may impart a desired angle bend on a workpiece. The bending apparatus includes an orienting member with a cross-sectional shape to complement the shape of the vice jaws. The bending apparatus when secured in the vise jaws is oriented horizontally or vertically, thus enabling the bending apparatus to precisely create horizontal and vertical bends in a workpiece. Bends may be created in succession without requiring a user to continually adjust the orientation of the workpiece or the bending apparatus itself.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to said forming member, and a release member movable relative to said handle and configured to be secured in a locked position relative to said forming member when said handle is selectively moved to any of one said at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between said handle and said forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanical stop for a tube bender is disclosed. The tube bender includes an elongated arm having a pivoting end and a free end, wherein the pivoting end is pivotally connectable to a tube bender. A stop is disposed at the free end of the elongated arm, wherein the stop is disposed to engage a tube in the tube bender. A lock is disposed along the elongated arm, wherein the lock is engageable with the tube bender to adjustably secure the stop relative to the tube bender. A tube bender incorporating the mechanical stop is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic conduit bender comprises an integrally molded handle and head portion. A steel hook reinforcement is molded directly into the head portion to provide sufficient force for bending the conduit. Steel reinforcements can also be provided in a grip region of the handle. A plurality of vertical sight lines, indicating bend angles, are provided from an apex molded into the handle and extending to an arcuate shoe portion, allowing the user to gauge the approximate bend angle. A flat surface including rounded saddle portions for receiving the conduit is positioned on the handle to allow the conduit to be bent back or straightened, the rounded saddle contact surfaces preventing damage to the conduit as it is bent back.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanical stop for a tube bender is disclosed. The tube bender includes an elongated arm having a pivoting end and a free end, wherein the pivoting end is pivotally connectable to a tube bender. A stop is disposed at the free end of the elongated arm, wherein the stop is disposed to engage a tube in the tube bender. A lock is disposed along the elongated arm, wherein the lock is engageable with the tube bender to adjustably secure the stop relative to the tube bender. A tube bender incorporating the mechanical stop is also disclosed.

Abstract: One-step offset bender for speed and accuracy in offsetting pipe or other materials. The offset bender (100) includes a base (110) on which is mounted a fixed shoe support (130) and a traveling shoe support (160). The fixed shoe support fixedly holds a first shoe assembly (200), and the traveling shoe support holds a second shoe assembly (200′) that can be moved vertically and horizontally. The offset bender simultaneously produces two, aligned, equal and opposite bends in conduit by pressing down on the second shoe assembly (200′). The conduit shoe assemblies include a plurality of conduit shoes that can be selectively aligned to accommodate the desired conduit. The fixed shoe support is pivotally attached to the base, and the traveling shoe support is removable, such that the bender may be folded for easy transport. A motor (361) or other power system may be used to facilitate making the bend.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to said forming member, and a release member movable relative to said handle and configured to be secured in a locked position relative to said forming member when said handle is selectively moved to any of one said at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between said handle and said forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.

Abstract: A tube bender comprising a mandrel, a forming member connected to the mandrel for coaction with the mandrel to effectuate at least 180 degree bending of a tube wherein the forming member has at least two bending positions defined thereon, a handle pivotally connected to the forming member, a release member movable relative to the handle wherein the release member is associated with the handle, and engagement means for securing the release member in a locked position relative to the forming member when the handle is selectively moved to any of one the at least two bending positions thereby preventing relative movement between the handle and the forming member. The release member enables an operator to move the release member to an unlocked position to permit such operator to move the handle relative to the forming member between the at least two bending positions.

Abstract: A tube bender for bending tubes of different diameters selectively and one at a time is disclosed. The bender has a pair of pivotally connected handles respectively connected to a form wheel and a form shoe. The wheel has a plurality of tube engagement grooves, the grooves each being generally arcuate in cross section in both axial and orthogonal planes of coss section. The shoe includes a plurality of grooves of arcuate cross section in an axial plane. Each of the shoe grooves is complemental with a different and associated one of the wheel grooves. A tube holder is adjustably positioned in fixed relationship with the wheel when a tubular work piece is engaging one of the grooves in a bending operation.

Abstract: A tube bender including a mandrel component having an arcuately curved recess of at least 180 degrees is disclosed. An anchor connected to the mandrel for securing a tube in the recess. A tube former is rotatably connected to the mandrel. The former has a tube engaging surface for engaging a surface of a tube disposed in and in engagement with the recess. The former and recess are positioned to engage opposite sides of a positioned tube. The mandrel and former are relatively rotatable about an axis that is coaxial with a groove axis. A mandrel handle is connected to the mandrel and a tube former handle is connected to the former. The former handle is rotatable between 90 degree and 180 degree bend positions relative to the former selectively to provide good leverage for 90 degree bends and over 90 degree bends.

Abstract: A conduit bending support device to facilitate conduit bending using a hand bender. The device includes a structural base and a support assembly. The support assembly includes a frame and a hand bender securing frame rotatably connected to the frame. The securing frame includes a clamping mechanism for releasably clamping the hand bender in a selectable position. The base includes a primary frame and an optional frame extension captured by the primary frame. The base also includes an adjustable conduit support to permit a user to support conduit thereon during the bending process.

Abstract: A pipe bending tool is formed from a body and a pipe engaging hook. The body features a curved and convex base in which a longitudinal channel is formed. The channel features a first section, characterized by planar and preferably parallel side walls, and a deeper and adjacent second section, characterized by planar side walls, which preferably taper. The side walls of the second section preferably converge at a 90° angle to form a V-shaped channel base. This channel design permits pipes of more than one diameter to be bent in the same tool.

Abstract: A bending block for use with a bending tool for bending pipe, conduit or the like of the type having a handle with a bending anvil at one end, the anvil having an arcuate edge about which pipe or the like may be bent comprises a block for attachment to the anvil arcuate edge. The bending block is movable along the edge, and may be locked in place. Using the bending block of the invention, bends of precise angles may be achieved. An improved bending tool of the type having a handle with a bending anvil at one end, the anvil having an arcuate edge, with the improvement comprising a bending block for movable attachment to the anvil arcuate edge.

Abstract: An angle indicator is provided for use with a pipe bender and is adapted to be removably mounted to a handle of a pipe bender. The angle indicator includes a plate; a first wheel rotatably mounted to the plate and including a plurality of angle indicating marks evenly spaced about a periphery of the first wheel; a second wheel rotatably mounted to the plate concentrically with the first wheel; the second wheel being smaller in diameter than the first wheel and including a mark at a periphery of the second wheel, the mark being selectively alignable with one of the angle indicating marks of said first wheel; a bubble level mounted on the second wheel; a first lock to hold the first wheel in a desired rotational position; and a second lock to hold the second wheel in a desired rotational position. The use of two wheels allows for zeroing of the angle indicator and dialing in of the desired angle.

Abstract: A bending die or shoe having a semi-circular tube-receiving bending channel on its forward end, the bending channel merging into a straight lateral channel, where the die is improved by providing a fitting recess or notch on the side opposing the lateral channel, such that a fitting mounted onto a tube can be positioned in the recess whereby the end of the fitting abuts and the portion of the tube immediately adjacent the fitting is received by the curved bending channel such that a bend can be imparted to the tube immediately adjacent the fitting. Preferably the bending die is also provided with a sleeve recess or channel positioned between the fitting recess and the bending channel for use with fittings which have tubular sleeves extending a short distance from the fitting.

Abstract: A manually operated conduit bender head for bending electrical conduit, tubing, and the like has a sighting point defined on a lateral side of the handle socket which projects from the handle socket in a plane perpendicular to the handle and bead projections spaced along the length of the side of the shoe to provide reliable sighting of the bend angle imparted by the tool to the conduit or tubing.

Abstract: A crimping tool for nut locks which comprise a ring type lock member having spaced apart teeth extending outwardly from the circumference and which are positioned adjacent a nut that is to be locked or held in place thereby when a selected one of the teeth is crimped or bent over to bear against the flat surface of the adjacent nut. The present invention comprises a flat support bar for placing over and across the outer end of the nut and member on which it is threaded, a puller member extends through an aperture at one end of the bar having a lateral projection or hook formed at its inwardly extending end with a puller nut threaded on the outwardly extending end of the puller member on the opposite side of the bar. The lateral projection or hook is positioned behind one of the teeth of the nut lock ring and the puller nut is then rotated to draw the tooth of the nut lock ring forward to crimp or bend over the surface of the adjacent nut.

Abstract: Apparatus for bending pipes, particularly plastic or composite pipes, includes a chucking fixture for anchoring the pipes near the bending region, a bending template, the profile of which is made to fit the pipe cross section, and a bending cylinder which, in turn, has a profile that is made to fit the pipe cross section and is supported by a provided lever which, during a pivoting motion of the bending cylinder, is moved on a graduated circle about the bending template and runs concentrically to the surface of the bending template. In order to achieve easy manipulation, the apparatus is constructed as a manually operated device and parts of the apparatus are disposed on a mounting plate which is provided with a hand lever as a back-stop and which has a pivoted lever in the form of a hand lever for the bending cylinder.

Abstract: A removable attachment for a tube bender or for the tube to be bent for predetermining a selected bend angle to which the tube is to be bent prior to the bending operation. In a first embodiment of the device, an audio and/or visual indicator indicates when the desired bend angle is achieved. In a second embodiment of the device, an audio indicator indicates during the bending operation when the desired bend angle is being approached and a second audio/visual indication indicates when the desired bend angle is achieved. In both embodiments an electrical continuity tester is provided.

Abstract: A plurality of instruments or members are provided to plastically deform spine plates or rods to a configuration which corresponds to a desired configuration for connection with a spinal column. A pair of flat benders have slots which are engageable with a spine plate to bend and/or twist the spine plate. A pair of tube benders are engageable with a rod to bend the rod. One of the flat benders may be used with one of the tube benders to form a bend in the rod. In addition, the two flat benders may be used together to bend the rod. These instruments make possible two dimensional bending of spine plates and three dimensional bending of spine rods.