Abstract: There is provided herein a method and associated apparatus for processing groups of elongated cylindrical members such as tubing or the like. The cylindrical members are arranged and transversely clamped in a substantially flat array by a reciprocating clamp which operates to advance the array of cylindrical members a predetermined distance toward operation performing apparatus whereupon a second clamp engages the members and maintains them in the generally flat array while an operation is performed upon each of the members. Additional apparatus is provided which receives the cylindrical members longitudinally from the operation performing means and delivers the array transversely to other apparatus. Hold down apparatus are also provided on this additional apparatus as well as on the operation performing device and reciprocating clamp device which are designed for rapid accurate adjustment to accommodate different diameter cylindrical members.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for automatically processing the end portions of a plurality of pieces of tubing of a constant predetermined length, comprising two separate processing modules the distance between which may be quickly changed for processing tubing of a different constant predetermined length, each module being independently powered and having its own transport means for moving the tubing in "hand-to-hand" fashion to and from all of the processing stations thereon, the transport means being designed to handle only the ends of the tubing disposed in the vicinity of the module. Means for synchronizing the transport means on the two modules is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method and associated apparatus for processing groups of elongated cylindrical members such as tubing or the like. The cylindrical members are arranged and transversely clamped in a substantially flat array by a reciprocating clamp which operates to advance the array of cylindrical members a predetermined distance toward operation performing apparatus whereupon a second clamp engages the members and maintains them in the generally flat array while an operation is performed upon each of the members. Additional apparatus is provided which receives the cylindrical members longitudinally from the operation performing means and delivers the array transversely to other apparatus. Hold down means are also provided on this additional apparatus as well as on the operation performing means and reciprocating clamp means which are designed for rapid accurate adjustment to accommodate different diameter cylindrical members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coil carrier of relatively simple tubular construction for receiving, storing and transporting coils of tubing or the like which are wound therearound, the carrier being of such a design that a plurality of carriers may be stacked upon one another, with or without coils disposed thereon, or may be compactly nested with respect to one another. Means are also provided for lifting the carrier by lifting forks or by a lifting hook.

Abstract: A process for electrocleaning articles comprised of a substrate having a copper coating thereover to remove adherent and embedded contaminating carbon particles from the coating, rendering the article in suitable condition for further electroplating operations. The electrocleaning treatment includes immersing the article in an aqueous alkaline solution containing a controlled effective amount of an inorganic complexing agent possessed of copper solubilizing properties and effective to retain the solubilized copper in solution in the form of a complex. The article is cathodically electrified continuously or on an intermittent basis for at least a portion of the period while immersed in the aqueous alkaline solution to accelerate the solubilization of the copper and the dislodgment and removal of the contaminating carbon particles, whereafter the electrocleaned article is rinsed.

Abstract: A bundling mechanism collects tubes from a tube processing machine, holds a selected quantity of the tubes in a bundle-like shape and wraps the bundles with lengths of adhesive backed tape. The bundles are indexed between first and second wrapping stations with one-half of the wrap being accomplished at each station. The end of a roll of tape extends tangentially between the bundles at the two stations. A special cutter-wrapper moves between the wrapping stations to cut the tape and wrap the cut tape ends around adjacent portions of the bundles.

Abstract: A method for applying a coating on metal articles that is resistant to chemical and mechanical attack including the steps of first applying a galvanic zinc coating over a metal article, next applying a chromate coating over the zinc coating, drying the chromate coating, and thereafter applying a fluoroplastic resinous coating over the chromate coating.

Abstract: Ferrous metal is provided with a corrosion resistant coating having a surprisingly great ability to retard the formation of rust when subjected to salt spray testing. Successive thin layers of copper and nickel are electroplated on steel tubing after which the tubing is terne coated by hot immersion. The corrosion resistance which is achieved by this combination of layers greatly exceeds the sum of the corrosion resistance of each layer when used alone.