Abstract: A heating method and heating apparatus for uniformly or substantially uniformly heating a predetermined portion of main and branch pipes including a welded joint therebetween of a main-and-branch-pipe assembly, thereby relieving the residual stress in the welded joint between the main and branch pipes. The defects and problems encountered in the conventional residual-stress-relief treatment processes can be substantially overcome such as complication in winding fabrication at the branch pipe which results in bad control of temperature; a mock-up test being needed for fabrication of an inductor; and existence of a non-heated zone resulting in unbalance of the stresses so that the effects of the residual stress-relief treatment are reduced.

Abstract: A heating method and apparatus for effecting the residual-stress-relief treatment of a welded joint in a pipe line. A welded joint between main pipes, between a main pipe and a branch pipe, between a main pipe and a pipe base or between a branch pipe and a pipe seat and a portion adjacent to the welded point are uniformly or substantially uniformly heated by an inductor which can be varied into configurations according to the performance of the welded joint. The problems encountered in the conventional residual-stress-relief treatment can be substantially overcome.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of bending elongated materials such as pipe by applying a compressive primary bending force to the material at locations on either end of the portion of the material to be bent and locally stimulating bending of that portion of the material by the application of heat or a secondary bending force. The end portions of the materials are engaged by clamps, each clamp having an arm extending normal to the principle axis of the material. The compressive primary bend force is applied by exerting a force on locations on the arms displaced from the principal axis of the material, which force tends to draw the ends of the arms together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating stainless steel material to reduce the carbon precipitation of the grain boundaries of the material as a result of temperature elevation due to welding, mechanical bending, or the like. The treatment includes the rapid heating of the material to the temperature at which the carbon will enter into solid solution followed by a rapid quenching of the heated material. Beneficial stress modifications are also achieved.

Abstract: A pipe bending apparatus includes a pivotable bending arm carrying a means for engaging the pipe including an outer clamp attached to the arm and an inner clamp contacting the pipe and slidable within the outer clamp.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for accomplishing bending work on long metal materials such as pipe, bar and rod.

Abstract: A method of continuously bending elongated materials may comprise engaging one portion of the elongated material with a guiding means and clamping a second portion of the elongated material in a clamping device driven to rotate with a movable axis of rotation perpendicular to a horizontal plane. A heated zone bounded by a cooled zone moving relative to the elongated material may be established in the material by suitable heating and cooling means disposed adjacent to the material. The elongated member may be driven to pass through the guiding means. Where a hollow elongated material is to be bent, a compressing means may be placed within the elongated material to inhibit deformation of the cross-section of the material. An apparatus for continuously bending elongated members may be comprised of plural means for performing the aforestated functions.