Abstract: An apparatus for forming an inclined-blade blower wheel is provided. A plurality of blades are initially positioned between first and second end caps, and a first engagement member mates with the first end cap, while a second engagement member mates with the second end cap. First and second end motors are configured to independently rotate the first and second engagement members. A crimping roller coupled to a crimping motor contacts and compresses a circumference of the first and second end caps to a plurality of blades. A controller is configured to rotate the first engagement member a predetermined amount with respect to the second engagement member, a then circumferential speed of the first and second end caps and the crimping roller is synchronized, therein fixing a desired longitudinal pitch of the plurality of blades between the first and second end caps.

Abstract: A method for forming an inclined-blade blower wheel is provided by arranging a plurality of blades about respective circumferences of first and second end caps. The plurality of blades extend longitudinally between the first and second end caps and parallel to an axis defined by respective centers of the first and second end caps. The first end cap is rotated with respect to the second end cap a predetermined amount, therein skewing the plurality of blades at a desired longitudinal pitch between the first end cap and second end cap. The first end cap and second end cap are then rotated in unison while crimping the circumferences of the first end cap and second end cap, therein securing the plurality of blades to the first and second end caps and fixing the desired longitudinal pitch of the plurality of blades from the first end cap to the second end cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an inclined-blade blower wheel is provided. A plurality of blades are initially positioned between first and second end caps, and a first engagement member mates with the first end cap, while a second engagement member mates with the second end cap. First and second end motors are configured to independently rotate the first and second engagement members. A crimping roller coupled to a crimping motor contacts and compresses a circumference of the first and second end caps to a plurality of blades. A controller is configured to rotate the first engagement member a predetermined amount with respect to the second engagement member, a then circumferential speed of the first and second end caps and the crimping roller is synchronized, therein fixing a desired longitudinal pitch of the plurality of blades between the first and second end caps.

Abstract: A method for forming an inclined-blade blower wheel is provided by arranging a plurality of blades about respective circumferences of first and second end caps. The plurality of blades extend longitudinally between the first and second end caps and parallel to an axis defined by respective centers of the first and second end caps. The first end cap is rotated with respect to the second end cap a predetermined amount, therein skewing the plurality of blades at a desired longitudinal pitch between the first end cap and second end cap. The first end cap and second end cap are then rotated in unison while crimping the circumferences of the first end cap and second end cap, therein securing the plurality of blades to the first and second end caps and fixing the desired longitudinal pitch of the plurality of blades from the first end cap to the second end cap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a centrifugal blower, blower wheel housing, and a method for assembling a blower wheel housing. The blower wheel housing comprises a sheet metal scroll and a contiguous sheet metal first side plate having a substantially planar first sidewall portion and a first peripheral portion. The first peripheral portion comprises a first flange extending generally perpendicular to the first sidewall portion about a periphery thereof and one or more mounting tabs extending radially outward beyond the first flange, wherein the one or more mounting tabs are generally coplanar with the first sidewall portion. The first flange further fixedly engages a first portion of the scroll. Furthermore, the centrifugal blower comprises the blower wheel housing and a blower wheel operable to rotate therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine and a method for assembling blower wheels. The machine comprises a drive motor rotatably coupled to a first die, whereon a plurality of blower wheel components reside. A second die is oppositely disposed from the first die, and is operable to engage one or more of the plurality of blower wheel components. A transfer gear assembly rotatably couples the first die and the second die, wherein a rotation of the first die generally transfers to the second die, and wherein the rotation of first die and the second die is generally synchronized. A two-stage press is coupled to the first die and the second die, and is operable to axially compress the blower wheel components between the first die and the second die. A deforming member is operable to deform the hub during the compression of the blower wheel components. One or more springs couple the second die to the press, wherein the second die is operable to axially translate with respect to the press.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clamping device, system, and method for clamping a workpiece. The clamping device comprises a slide bar having a fixed jaw and a selectively movable member slidingly coupled to the slide bar. The movable member comprises a housing having a cylinder coupled thereto, wherein an inlet port associated with the with a first end cap of the cylinder is in selective fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. The pressurized fluid source is operable to linearly translate a piston within the cylinder, therein selectively translating a rod and movable jaw to selectively clamp the workpiece between the fixed jaw and the movable jaw based upon an application of fluid pressure to the inlet port. A locking mechanism operable to selectively engage the slide bar is further coupled to the housing, therein selectively preventing a movement of the housing away from the fixed jaw.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine and a method for assembling blower wheels. The machine comprises a drive motor rotatably coupled to a first die, whereon a plurality of blower wheel components reside. A second die is oppositely disposed from the first die, and is operable to engage one or more of the plurality of blower wheel components. A transfer gear assembly rotatably couples the first die and the second die, wherein a rotation of the first die generally transfers to the second die, and wherein the rotation of first die and the second die is generally synchronized. A two-stage press is coupled to the first die and the second die, and is operable to axially compress the blower wheel components between the first die and the second die. A deforming member is operable to deform the hub during the compression of the blower wheel components. One or more springs couple the second die to the press, wherein the second die is operable to axially translate with respect to the press.

Abstract: The invention includes a blower wheel assembly and method characterized by a hub formed with a piece of annealed carbon steel tubing cut to an appropriate length. The tubing is formed into the hub by a tube end forming machine. The hub includes a first tubular portion connected to a second tubular portion by a flange portion. The first tubular portion is dimensioned to be received by a central hole in a backplate. The first tubular portion is inserted into the central hole of the backplate and the first tubular portion is stamped against the backplate holding the hub thereto. A shaft is inserted into the second tubular portion and the second tubular portion is press fitted onto the shaft. The hub could also be formed of a piece of sheet metal with one or more tabs formed in the hub by punching holes in the hub around an annular ring. A backplate includes an array of tab receiving holes adapted to receive the one or more tabs. A tubular portion is formed by stamping a central hole using progressive tooling.

Abstract: The invention includes a blower wheel assembly and method characterized by a hub formed with a piece of annealed carbon steel tubing cut to an appropriate length. The tubing is formed into the hub by a tube end forming machine. The hub includes a first tubular portion connected to a second tubular portion by a flange portion. The first tubular portion is dimensioned to be received by a central hole in a backplate. The first tubular portion is inserted into the central hole of the backplate and the first tubular portion is stamped against the backplate holding the hub thereto. A shaft is inserted into the second tubular portion and the second tubular portion is press fitted onto the shaft. The hub could also be formed of a piece of sheet metal with one or more tabs formed in the hub by punching holes in the hub around an annular ring. A backplate includes an array of tab receiving holes adapted to receive the one or more tabs. A tubular portion is formed by stamping a central hole using progressive tooling.

Abstract: The invention includes a blower wheel assembly and method characterized by a steel hub with protruding lugs that mate with a corresponding array of holes in a backplate of the assembly. The lugs are riveted or otherwise deformed to upset the lug material, thereby permanently and securely attaching the hub to the backplate. The lugs may be formed on the hub by a machining process. The holes in the backplate may have stress relief portions to avoid stress concentrations in corners of the holes.

Abstract: A blower wheel assembly and method is characterized by a steel hub with protruding lugs that mate with a corresponding array of holes in a backplate of the assembly. The lugs are riveted or otherwise deformed to upset the lug material, thereby permanently and securely attaching the hub to the backplate. The lugs are formed on the hub by a cold heading process whereby the hub is forcefully impacted by a heading punch or die which has recesses in it corresponding to the shape and configuration of the lugs. The impact causes the hub to deform, with the steel flowing into the recesses of the die, thus forming the lugs.