Abstract: A pipe bending machine having two bending heads is endowed with two bending heads (9, 10), that each can move in the initial direction of pipe to be bent (12), each also being endowed with a bending tool that operates in a bending plane whose orientation can be modified. At least one of the bending heads (9, 10) can also move in a plane perpendicular to the initial direction of pipe (12) and holds clamping mechanism (27, 29) of the pipe, offset from the longitudinal axis of the head. In this way the head can be moved away from initial axis (11) of the pipe, the associated clamping mechanism (27, 29) in this case moving into such axis and being able to hold pipe (12) temporarily therein. This arrangement makes it possible to execute very closely-spaced bends in the median area of the pipe.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for monitoring the backspringing of an elongated deformable elongated element while the element is bend by winding around a forming component. The element is clamped in a section located forward of the bend to be made. After the bend is made, the front section of the element remains clamped while the back section of the element is released. The backspringing value is determine by means of a sensor which makes a measurement on the back section of the element. The backspringing value is detected during a rotation of the element and the forming component around the axis of the bend by detecting when the back section reaches a predetermined position. This process makes it possible to continue bending of the element after detecting the backspringing value.

Abstract: A guide strip control device of pipe bending machine for controlling the transverse movement of a guide strip that is applied laterally against a pipe to be bent, which is held and moved longitudinally by a carriage. A first cylinder moves the guide strip over a considerable distance to disengage the pipe entirely from its gripping position and thus to allow the free passage of the carriage. A second cylinder moves the guide strip over a short distance so that the pipe is freed laterally but remains supported by a part of the guide strip.

Abstract: A machine for bending an elongated workpiece extending along a longitudinal axis has a housing and a holder on the housing for retaining the workpiece with its axis nondisplaceable relative to the housing and for advancing the workpiece in a feed direction parallel to the axis. A support defining a mandrel axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and spaced transversely therefrom is displaceable with the mandrel axis on the housing transverse to the longitudinal workpiece axis. A mandrel carried directly on the support is formed with an arcuate groove centered on the mandrel axis. This mandrel carries an inner jaw forming a continuation of the groove and is rotatable therewith on the support about the mandrel axis.

Abstract: A bending machine for imparting bends to metal plates and the like, also called a brake, and provided with a plate holding table and a plate clamping mechanism. The plate is bent by contact with a pivoting apron. In order to provide automatic adjustment of the distance between the front edge of the bending apron and the metal plate to be bent, i.e., to provide a variable radius of curvature during the bending operation, the bending apron is mounted in slides on its pivotal support arms. The motion of the bending apron in its slides is provided by mechanical lead screws or by hydraulic jacks. In one embodiment, the distance of the front edge of the bending apron from the metal plate is controlled so as to balance the torque provided by an electric torque motor and the counter-torque offered by the plate being bent. In another embodiment, the linear motions of the bending apron are controlled to follow a template whose contour defines the desired radius of curvature.