Abstract: A rack and pinion type steering gear includes a pinion, a rack bar formed therein with a rack gear which is engaged with the pinion, a first tie rod and a second tie rod which are disposed in both right and left ends of the rack bar, and a first ball joint and a second ball joint that connect the rack bar with the two tie rods. The rack bar includes a sliding portion connected at one end to the first ball joint, a rack gear portion connected at one end to the second ball joint, a link disposed between the other end of the sliding portion and the other end of the rack gear portion, a third ball joint connecting the other end of the sliding portion with one end of the link, and a fourth ball joint connecting the other end of the rack gear portion with the other end of the link.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a rack arranged to be driven for movement by a rotatable pinion the rack having at least a first region having a first pitch circle diameter and a second region having a second, different, pitch circle diameter, and movable support means for supporting the rack for movement.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering system, in particular for lighter commercial vehicles, has a housing, a toothed rack, a driven element and a servo unit. The driven element is arranged between the toothed rack and the servo unit.

Abstract: In a driving force transmission mechanism in a motor type damper device, when a small AC synchronous motor rotates in one direction and a tooth-missing gear part of a tooth-missing gear engages with the first rack part of a rack member the rack member is moved upward to operate a baffle in an open direction and, when the tooth-missing gear part engages with the second rack part of the rack member, the rack member is moved downward to operate the baffle in a close direction. In this manner, even when the baffle and the rack member are operated in both directions, the tooth-missing gear is required to be rotated in only one direction and the rotation of the small AC synchronous motor is not required to be reversed. Therefore, the structure of a control circuit for the motor type damper device can be simplified.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic clearance compensator of a support yoke in a rack and pinion type steering apparatus, which includes: a support yoke supporting a rack bar; a spring disposed at a rear surface of the support yoke so as to exert force in a direction of the rack bar; a yoke plug supporting the spring; cams supporting the support yoke and the spring; and a cam fixing member disposed between the support yoke and the yoke plug, the cam fixing member having grooves for receiving the cam being formed on the cam fixing member. According to the present invention, clearance generated between a rack bar and the support yoke can be automatically compensated, and noise generating between the support yoke and the yoke plug can be also prevented even if impact is inversely exerted on the rack bar.

Abstract: A rack and pinion stabilizer system for a refrigerator drawer. The rack and pinion stabilizer system comprises a pair of drawer glides attached to first and second liner walls of a refrigerator. Each of the drawer glides has an attached rack gear with at least one tooth having an irregular profile. A pair of gear wheels having an axle therebetween are also provided. The gear wheels are provided in rotatable engagement with the rack gears and are capable of rotating in unison. An alignment mechanism is also provided. The alignment mechanism is attached to at least one of the rack gears for providing initial alignment of the first and second rack gears with the first and second gear wheels. Additionally, a drawer in operable communication with at least one of the drawer glides and axle is disclosed.

Abstract: The one end side portion is nipped by a jig including a jig member having a pair of convex portions which are to be fitted to a depressions in contact with a tooth side face and a inclined portion and positioning a bar and a jig member which is to be clamped/opened with respect to the jig member. A die having an inside diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer periphery is pressed onto the outer periphery of the end portion of the cylindrical end side portion projected from the jig up to a press-in depth determined preliminarily based on the rack, so as to reduce the diameter of the end portion.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering apparatus comprises pinion teeth formed according to proper tooth specifications in other aspects under a larger pressure angle, thereby stably offering smooth and comfortable steering feeling over a long time. The module (m), number of teeth (z), tooth depth(h) and helix angle (?) of the pinion teeth (4) are set within the following ranges, under a pressure angle (?) set within a range of 24° to 30° and a given stroke ratio. module (m): 1.8 to 2.0 number of teeth (z): 7 to 13 tooth depth (h): 2 m to 2.

Abstract: A strain wave reduction gear and a variable transmission ratio steering apparatus move a flexible gear and a rigid gear differentially, even if the flexible gear is in a fractured state. According to the strain wave reduction gear, the flexspline mates with the inner side of the elliptical hole of the rigid cam via the flexible bearing; therefore, the flexspline maintains an elliptical shape that is similar to the elliptical hole and maintains the meshed state—even if the flexspline fractures. Therefore, when the rigid cam rotates, the mesh positions of the flexspline and the first and second circular splines can be shifted in a circumferential direction. Namely, even in a state wherein the flexspline is fractured, the first circular spline and the second circular spline can be moved differentially by the difference in their tooth counts.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bar having a maximum cross section region smaller than a minimum cross section region of a hollow portion of a pipe P, and projected portions mounted along an axial direction of the bar and including a projected portion with maximum extent Hb, extent Ha of the projected portion positioned at a leading end side of the bar is set to be smaller than extent Hb of the projected portion positioned at a center side in the axial direction, and extent Hc of the projected portion positioned at a base end side of the bar is set to be less than or equal to extent Hb of the projected portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically adjusting yoke clearance in a steering device in a rack-pinion type steering device.

Abstract: This invention discloses improvements to a damper of the type used in industrial applications to open and close ducts carrying noxious or corrosive materials, such as combustion by-products. The improvements include a linear rack and wheeled pinion system to raise and lower a damper blade plate and improvements to the seal cartridge to prolong the life of the seal membrane and to prevent galling between the blade plate and the seal cartridge or damper frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering rack for a vehicle rack and pinion steering system. The rack comprises gear teeth and a shank that has a constant outside diameter and constant wall thickness over the majority of its length. The method comprises performing a forging operation on a tubular member with an elongate member positioned in the bore of a thickened region of the tubular member. The forging operation forms the gear teeth on the thickened region, and the elongate member is retained within the tubular member. The tubular member is made by performing a forming operation on a length of tube stock such that the outside diameter of the thickened region is smaller than the outside diameter of the shank, and the wall thickness of the thickened region is larger than the wall thickness of the shank.

Abstract: A center-takeoff rack-and-pinion steering apparatus includes a connecting unit arranged to connect respective ends of a pair of tie rods for steering a pair of vehicle wheels to an axially intermediate portion of a rack shaft. The connecting unit includes a slider slidably movable on an inner periphery of an elongate hole of a rack housing. A sliding contact surface on the inner periphery of the elongate hole and a sliding contact surface of the slider, which slide on each other, are inclined in both a widthwise direction of the elongate hole which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the elongate hole and a depthwise direction of the elongate hole.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which includes an integrally-formed rack that can be manufactured easily even when a tooth portion of the rack has a drawing angle with respect to a lead screw. The apparatus includes a holding member holding an optical member, a rack attached to the holding member, and an actuator rotating the lead screw. The rack is integrally formed and includes an attachment portion for being attached to the holding member, first and second tooth portions engaging with the lead screw so as to sandwich the lead screw therebetween, and an elastic connecting portion connecting the attachment portion and the second tooth portion. The second tooth portion is formed to have a gap from the first tooth portion such that the gap is narrowed with distance from the attachment portion. The connecting portion is provided with a protrusion protruding toward the first tooth portion.

Abstract: A steering rack for a vehicle rack and pinion steering gear comprising a first member having a toothed region, attached to a tubular second member. The second member having a region of increased wall thickness and reduced bore diameter formed by an upsetting operation. The region of increased wall thickness being located at or near the end of the second member that is attached to the first member.

Abstract: A device for linearly moving a useful mass is described. Typically, when a large useful mass is moved, relatively large forces are transferred by a spindle or a toothed rack to the corresponding machine or machine frame. These forces can be compensated by moving a compensating mass in the opposite direction of the useful mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are a rack and pinion type power transmission and a driving apparatus of an embroidery frame of an embroidery machine having the same. The gear teeth, which are engaged with the engaging member connected to the power source, are formed in the lower side of the a single movable frame, to which the embroidery frame is fixed, so as to directly move the movable frame, so that uniform driving force is transmitted to the embroidery frame during the movements of the embroidery frame. Thus, the high reliable and steady movement is performed. The driving apparatus includes any one of the X- and Y-directional movement mechanisms. The mechanism includes a fixed frame installed to a beam-body of the sewing machine, a movable frame movably installed on the fixed frame and having gear teeth, and a movable frame movement mechanism engaged with the gear teeth to reciprocate the movable frame.

Abstract: A gear mechanism usable in an electric power steering system is provided. The gear mechanism includes a gear housing including a passage formed therein, a gear positioned in the passage, and a signal transmission medium positioned in the passage adjacent the gear. A partition is inserted into the passage to prevent contact between the signal transmission medium and the gear.

Abstract: An apparatus for urging components of power steering system into engagement includes a rack including gear teeth, a pinion including gear teeth engaged with the gear teeth of the rack, a yoke bearing contacting the rack, a spring for resiliently contacting the yoke and urging the rack into engagement with the pinion, a source of variable hydraulic pressure communicating with the yoke bearing and applying to the yoke bearing a force that urges the rack into engagement with the pinion, and a valve that opens a connection between the pressure source and the yoke bearing at a first speed in response to a first pressure magnitude at the pressure source and that closes said connection at a second speed slower than the first speed when pressure at the pressure source decreases relative to the first pressure magnitude.

Abstract: A steering apparatus having a ring type support yoke is provided. The apparatus includes a rack bar provided with a rack gear at one side of the outer circumference thereof, a support provided on the other side of the outer circumference of the rack bar, and a support yoke surrounding the rack bar so as to come into contact with the support, thereby reducing manufacturing costs of the steering apparatus through reducing the number of the parts supporting the support yoke, and shortening the manufacturing period of the steering apparatus through dispensing with the adjusting process for adjusting the degree of engagement between the rack gear and the pinion gear.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering system including a rack slidably supported within a housing that engages in a pinion gear. A yoke assembly, including a yoke member engaging the rack, operates to guide the rack and maintain engagement of the rack and pinion during operation of the steering system. A retainer member holds a yoke plug, used in the yoke assembly, in position and also seals the yoke assembly to provide a sealed interface that protects the internal components of the steering system from water and other contaminants.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering system including a rack slidably supported within a housing that engages in a pinion gear wherein the housing includes a cylindrical sleeve having an outer seal surface with a slight medial taper at one end thereof. A yoke assembly, which is received by the cylindrical sleeve, operates to guide the rack and maintain engagement of the rack and pinion during operation of the steering system and includes a yoke member engaging the rack. A retainer member holds a yoke plug, used in the yoke assembly, in position and has a compliant annular seal member having an inner sealing surface that has a complementary slight outward extending taper to provide a self-sealing interface with the medial taper of the outer seal surface of the cylindrical sleeve to protect the internal components of the steering system from water and other contaminants.

Abstract: A rack shaft has a rolling contact surface on the opposite side of rack teeth across an axis line X, and a pair of slanted surfaces extending in parallel with the axis line across the rolling contact surface. Furthermore, a roller rolling on the rolling contact surface of the rack shaft and an urging member having contact with the pair of slanted surfaces for applying an urging force are provided. The urging member is attached to the housing, forms an annular configuration surrounding the entire circumference of the rack shaft, and has contact portions having contact with the pair of slanted surfaces to apply the urging force.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering system, in particular for a motor vehicle, has a steering housing and a pinion which is inserted into the steering housing If. A rack whose toothing engages with the pinion is mounted so as to be axially displaceable in the steering housing. The rack-and-pinion steering system has a circulation lubrication system with lubricating oil, an arrangement for conveying lubricating oil from a lubricating-oil reservoir conveying lubricating oil to the toothing engagement location between the rack and the pinion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a yoke assembly (156) adapted for use in a rack and pinion steering gear assembly (10) for a vehicle. The yoke assembly (156) includes a yoke housing (302) having a bore (304). The bore (304) defines an inner surface (307). A bearing (320) is disposed in the bore (304), the bearing (320) defining an outer surface (322). A ring (324) is also disposed in the bore (304). The ring (324) includes an inner contact surface (334, 336) and an outer contact surface (338). The inner contact surface (334, 336) engages at least a portion of the inner surface (307) of the bore (304) and the outer contact surface (338) engages at least a portion of the outer surface (322) of the bearing (320).

Abstract: A rack guide includes a rack guide base body which has on its outer peripheral surface a pair of semicylindrical surfaces and a pair of planar surfaces each located between the pair of semicylindrical surfaces, has a concavely recessed surface located on one axial end portion side inwardly of the pair of semicylindrical surfaces and the planar surfaces, and has a cylindrical surface located on the other axial end portion side inwardly of the pair of semicylindrical surfaces and the planar surfaces; and a slider secured to the rack guide base body.

Abstract: A vehicle passive entry side door latch release system engageable with a release cable connected a door latch includes a moveable linkage assembly engageable with the cable, and a motor including an output shaft engaged with a tensioning gear for driving a ratcheting gearwheel rotatably affixed to a coil spring, with the gearwheel including external teeth engageable with a rack affixed to the linkage to move the cable to unlatch the door latch. A pivotable ratcheting pawl may be engageable with the gearwheel to allow or prevent rotation of the gearwheel. Operation of the motor may drive the gear to drive the gearwheel in a rotary direction to energize the spring, and disengagement of the pawl from the gearwheel may allow stored energy in the spring to drive the gearwheel in an opposite rotary direction to thereby drive the rack to move the cable to unlatch the door latch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack and pinion steering device having a rack (1) which is arranged in a housing (4) and is connected at both ends to the steerable wheels via track rods (6) and steering arms, and having a pinion (2) which engages continuously in the rack (1) and is connected to the manual steering wheel via a steering column, and having stop means (10; 11; 12) which are integrated at both ends between the housing (4) and axially movable parts of the rack and pinion steering device and limit the axial movement of the rack (1) in both steering directions, the stop means (10; 11; 12) comprising elastically compliant material (12) which is completely enclosed in nonelastic parts (10; 11) of the stop means (10; 11; 12) which can move axially with respect to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for protecting impact to a rack bar of a power steering gearbox comprising an oil pressure cylinder, to which oil which has passed through an oil pressure pump and a rotary valve is supplied through a left port or right port, a rack bar disposed in the oil pressure cylinder and horizontally reciprocating, a piston fixed at the middle of the rack bar, a first lack bush and a second lack bush disposed at both ends of the cylinder, in which the piston moves, to close the cylinder, and bypass holes with a downward convex shape disposed at both ends of the cylinder adjacent to the first and second rack bushes, in which a part of oil pressure is released immediately before a piston of the rack bar moving by the power of oil pressure reaches a rack bush, whereby impact to the cylinder or noise is not generated.

Abstract: A rack and pinion gear train actuator for a pintle valve. A motor shaft has a pinion gear that engages a large reduction gear having an integral hub gear. The hub gear is a planet gear for a ring gear segment that pivots on a shaft and includes a pinion gear segment that engages a linear rack. The rack is attached to a valve pintle shaft, causing the valve to be opened and closed in response to rotation of the motor shaft. The pintle shaft, return spring, rack, and gears are all assemblable by slip fit. The actuator has a high actuation force, a fast response time, and compact design by virtue of a rack and internal gearing. The stroke of the rack may be changed for use with pintle valves having differing strokes by varying the angle through which the motor operates.

Abstract: A tray carrying-in starting mechanism for a disk drive is simple and reduces a load at the start of carrying-in of the tray. The tray carrying-in action is started by pushing a tray that has been carried out to a disk exchange position. The starting mechanism comprises a projection provided on a rear end portion of a rack with a predetermined spacing from a tooth at a rear end of the rack. An untoothed portion is provided on an outer periphery of the gear that meshes with the rack, and a cam groove is formed on the outer periphery of the gear to allow the projection to slide over a predetermined extent and to engage therewith. The projection engages with the cam groove when the tray is carried out to the disk exchange position, and the tray can be retracted a predetermined distance without rotation of the gear when the tray is pushed.

Abstract: A method for forging a rack bar from a blank pipe. Prior to the rack forging process, a blank pipe is subjected to a process for obtaining an adjustment of a cross-sectional shape of the blank pipe. Such a preliminary adjustment is constructed by a swaging process for reducing an outer diameter of the blank pipe and a ironing process for obtaining a desired irregular cross-sectional shape of the blank pipe. The ironing process is such that locally thickened wall portions are obtained at length wise ends as well as tooth width ends of a rack forging die.

Abstract: The toothed rack steering gear has an adjusting nut and a housing. An opening with internal thread of the housing is adapted to the adjusting nut and receives the adjusting nut in the assembled state. In the housing at least one recess is provided in direct proximity of the opening. A retainer is provided; it has a ring shaped body and at least one finger. The finger protrudes from this ring shaped body and can engage into the recess. The retainer has a back surface and the adjusting nut has a front surface. In the assembled state both are in contact. A connecting device is provided and secures the connection between the back surface and the front surface.

Abstract: A guide section (1) for guiding a slide for a power tool along a longitudinal axis (A) with a separate axial toothed rack (3) for longitudinal advance of the slide having the toothed rack (3) arranged in an outwardly open receiving groove (4), with outwardly oriented toothing (5). The toothed rack (3) in cross-section forms at least two opposing sides (6a, 6b) laterally undercut relative to the toothing, in which the groove edges (7) of the receiving groove (4) are at least partially inserted and secured.

Abstract: A rack (20) for a rack and pinion steering system (10) includes a fully dense powder metal rack tooth section (50) joined, by sintering, to a hollow rack tube (30). The rack tooth section (50) is formed by pressing powder metal (70) into a die assembly (60) having internal rack tooth forms (68). The rack tube (30) and the pressed powder metal (70) are sintered to complete formation of the rack (20).

Abstract: A thrust piece unit for rack-and-pinion steering mechanisms, which is integrated into a housing bore of the steering mechanism housing of motor vehicles, in order to keep the pinion in constant intermeshing with the rack, the thrust piece unit comprising a cylinder part, a piston part and two chambers which are matched with one another and are filled with hydraulic medium and which are connected to one another via a replenishing valve and via a throttle point, and overload protection being additionally integrated in the thrust piece unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing operations using opposing-force support systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a track assembly adapted to be attached to a workpiece, and a carriage moveably coupled to the track assembly. The carriage includes a tool support adapted to receive and support a manufacturing tool. An opposing-force support assembly is operatively coupled to the carriage and is adapted to be secured to the workpiece. The opposing-force support assembly at least partially counterbalances a manufacturing force exerted on the workpiece by the manufacturing tool.

Abstract: A machine tool drive device comprising in a structure: a line of inlet shafts; and angle takeoffs, each having an outlet shaft perpendicular to the line of inlet shafts, each being coupled to the inlet of a reversible gearbox whose outlet shaft carries a pinion, for meshing with a rack, in which the line of inlet shafts comprises two shafts in alignment that are coupled together end to end by a torque transmission member that is elastically deformable in torsion, possessing declutchable elements for connection in rotation with at least one of the shafts, and in which the other end of the shaft is provided with engagement elements enabling it to be turned.

Abstract: An automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle of rack-and-pinion type is reduced in size and weight. The automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle is automatically opened/closed, by transmitting rotation of an electric motor to a back door through a drive power transmitting mechanism comprising a pinion and a rack. The rack is supported linearly reciprocably by a slide mechanism comprising a slide block and a guide rail. The slide block is formed to be sufficiently short to the entire length of the rack and the guide rail is accordingly formed to be short. Further, the rack is provided with a groove portion, and a holding member contacting with a holding face is disposed in the groove portion. Then, an interval between the rack and the opinion is maintained by the holding member, whereby engagement of the pinion therewith is ensured.

Abstract: A rack and pinion gear mechanism includes a rack forming member having a rack; a pinion gear which engages releasably with the rack of rack forming member; and an elastic member which contacts with one portion of the rack forming member and deformed by an elastic deformation corresponding to a displacement of the rack forming member by a confliction of tooth points, the one portion is located opposite side to a tooth of the rack that contacts firstly with a tooth of the pinion gear and the gear mechanism further includes a positioning means to fix the elastic member in a cantilever manner to define a positioning of a free end of the elastic member in height.

Abstract: A steering gear assembly includes a pinion defining a pinion axis and a rack defining a rack axis. A bearing assembly includes a roller bearing biased against the rack to generate a normal force pressing the rack into engagement with the pinion. The bearing assembly engages an outer surface of the rack at two points circumferentially spanning a large angle to provide improved support. The roller bearing is preferably a plurality of ball bearings engaging an outer race. A deformable member may be utilized that is positioned between the outer race and the rack housing. The deformable member may comprise a series of O-rings which providing a force biasing the outer race towards the pinion.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved steering rack in which sliding sleeves within the main cylinder allow a channel to be cut through the main cylinder to allow for passage of the stationary piston attachment pin without allowing hydraulic fluid to leak through the channel.

Abstract: A device for torquing a tubular connection. The device comprises an upper assembly having an upper jaw member, a lower assembly having a lower jaw member, an upper gear for advancing the upper jaw member, and a lower gear for advancing the lower jaw member. The upper jaw member includes a first jaw operatively associated with a first rack, a second jaw operatively associated with a second rack, and a third jaw operatively associated with a third rack. The lower jaw member includes a fourth jaw operatively associated with a fourth rack, a fifth jaw operatively associated with a fifth rack, and a sixth jaw operatively associated with a sixth rack. A method of torquing a first tubular with a second tubular is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deadlocking assembly for use in locks that includes a rack supporting a bolt and a driving or pinion gear that drives the rack. Both the rack and the pinion gear have teeth that intermesh. The pinion gear further includes two arms, one of which acts as a stop when extending the bolt and the other that acts as a deadlock. When in the deadlocked position, forcing of the bolt is prevented by the other arm since the pinion gear teeth and the rack gear teeth at that position do not intermesh. A tab is further used to limit further rotation of the pinion gear.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes at least one and preferably two ball tracks each having a load-bearing portion, a return portion, and a turn-around portion, and a plurality of bearing balls, wherein the ball track is configured for the guided recirculation of the bearing balls. The bearing assembly includes a housing block with a channel at its distal end for receiving a movable shaft. The channel includes an elongated window aligned with each of the load-bearing portions of the tracks, the window allowing portions of the bearing balls to protrude therethrough to support the shaft. The bearing tracks define planes which can be oriented parallel to or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing block, or which together form an angled V-shaped configuration.

Abstract: Described is a steering rack bar which is low in costs, which is hollowed in overall length, and for use in steering equipment for automobiles. A rack is formed on a first steel tube by plastic working, wherein the first steel tube has good plastic workability by low carbon content, and has high strength after hardening. The above first steel tube and a second steel tube are joined to complete a hollow steering rack bar, wherein the second steel tube has a higher carbon content and is lower in cost than the first steel tube. Moreover, the second steel tube which has a margin of the strength can be thinner than the first steel tube for reduction of weight.

Abstract: A rack-and-pinion steering gear is provided. The gear comprises a lower shaft, a pinion gear, a first bearing, and a plurality of stakes. The lower shaft has a first end, a second end, and a shoulder depending radially outward from the lower shaft. The pinion gear is defined in a portion of the lower shaft proximate the first end. The first bearing has a first side, a second side, and an inner edge. The inner edge is disposed on the lower shaft such that the first side abuts the shoulder. The stakes have a first section that conforms to a radius defined at an intersection of the second side and the inner edge of the first bearing, and a second section resting against the second side of the first bearing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle steering system having a rack bar supporting apparatus which prevents the rotation of a rack bar and makes the rack bar supporting apparatus compact by providing a plurality of rack bar supporting apparatuses installed at the rear of the rack bar to support the rack bar in the direction of a pinion gear. The vehicle steering system comprises a pinion shaft having a pinion gear on the outer circumference and being installed within a housing; a rack bar being located within the housing so that it can cross the pinion shaft and having a rack gear meshing with the pinion gear at one side of the middle part; and rack bar supporting apparatus provided on the rear surface of the rack bar for elastically supporting the rack bar in the direction of the pinion shaft, wherein a plurality of the rack bar supporting apparatuses are provided to vary the supporting direction and supporting force for supporting the rack bar.

Abstract: A hollow rack shaft is manufactured through a first step, a second step and a third step. At the first step, the plate-like workpiece of substantial rectangular shape is press-formed into a gutter-like shape. At the second step, a row of rack teeth is press-formed by a preliminary forming step and a main forming step on the flat bottom portion of the workpiece formed in the first step. The die set used at the second step is provided with a recess for releasing surplus workpiece material within the die clearance at a stroke end of the pressworking and each die set is divided into a plurality of segments at the recess. At the third step, each of a pair of legs of the workpiece is bent in a semi-circular shape so as to be butted to each other.