Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming circular, oval and irregularly shaped connectors and other curved or arcuate members from stock material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pair of pinch rollers mounted on a support structure and defining a gap therebetween, an adjustment mechanism to selectively vary the gap between the pinch rollers to vary the amount of compression force being exerted on at least a portion of the stock material, and a containment roller positioned proximate the gap between the pinch rollers. The compression force exerted on at least a portion of the stock material causes the stock material to bend thereby forming the curved or arcuate connector or other member. Adjustment of the pinch rollers controls the amount of compression force applied to the stock material which controls the degree of curvature in the finished product.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 13, 2001
Publication date:
July 18, 2002
Applicant:
Ovalformer LLC
Inventors:
Miller S. Price, Mark A. Froning, Gregory C. Moyers, Herbert J. Fischer, Paul L. Baker