Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the manufacture of a coil spring from a wire. The apparatus comprises first and second tools for contacting the wire prior to, and/or during, deformation of the wire into a coil spring. The apparatus includes means for applying an electrical potential difference between the first and second tools such that an electric current is caused to flow through at least part of the wire during use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying adhesive to a string of pocketed coil springs during manufacture of an innerspring assembly, which apparatus comprises a plurality of independently actuatable adhesive applicators, each having a different transverse position relative to a longitudinal axis of the string of pocketed coil springs, and means for causing relative movement between the string of pocketed coil springs and the plurality of adhesive applicators, along a longitudinal axis of the string. The apparatus is adapted to apply adhesive to the string of pocketed coil springs, during relative movement between the first string of pocketed coil springs and the plurality of adhesive applicators, in a pattern that varies between at least some pockets of the string of pocketed coil springs.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the manufacture of a coil spring from a wire. The apparatus comprises first and second tools for contacting the wire prior to, and/or during, deformation of the wire into a coil spring. The apparatus includes means for applying an electrical potential difference between the first and second tools such that an electric current is caused to flow through at least part of the wire during use.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of an innerspring assembly, suitable for a mattress, cushion, or the like, is disclosed. In one aspect, the method involves the steps of: positioning a first string of pocketed coil springs in juxtaposition with a plurality of adhesive applicators disposed in mutually fixed relation on an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first string; applying adhesive from the adhesive applicators to the first string of pocketed coil springs; and bringing the first string of pocketed coil springs into adhesive contact with a second string of pocketed coil springs. An apparatus for carrying out the method, and innerspring assemblies produced by the method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of pocketed coil springs is disclosed. The apparatus includes a coiling section in which a coil is formed from wire fed to the coiling section, the coiling section including coiling elements, whose position and/or orientation determines the form of the coil, and an encapsulation section in which the coil is inserted between juxtaposed sheets of material and in which the sheets of material are joined together to form a pocket enclosing the coil. The apparatus further includes programmable control means operably linked to the coiling elements in such a way as to control the position and/or orientation of the coiling elements.