Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.

Abstract: A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.

Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for expanding tubes into interlocked relationship with fins. Structure is provided for in situ storage of the expander rods and facilitating use of selected expander rods during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting elongate flat-walled tubular stock into preselected lengths which cutting device includes opposed circular cutting blades that are laterally movable to effect a transverse cut across the tubing. The cutting blades are rotatably mounted and engaged with a locking assembly to prevent rotation thereof. Each cutting blade includes a peripheral cutting edge incrementally defining a plurality of contact portions with one contact portion being disposed in an active cutting position and the remainder of the contact portions being disposed in inactive standby positions. Each cutting portion has an arcuate shape so as to minimize the vertical components of the cutting force being applied thereby as the depth of the cut approaches an interior surface of the tubing.

Abstract: A tube bending apparatus having a base and a bend arbor thereon and an X-axis extending spindle selectively rotatably mounted on the base for movement along the X-axis and for lateral movement in orthogonal Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The spindle has a clamping mechanism on the distal end thereof. A tube bend effecting arm is hinged relative to the bend arbor and is swingable about a bend axis. An elongate track is provided laterally offset from the base and extends continuously in a direction parallel to the X-axis. A tube loader is mounted on and for movement along the elongate track. The tube loader includes a feed mechanism for sequentially feeding one tube at a time to a specified position axially aligned with the spindle when in either of the first and second locations of the tube loader.

Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.

Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.