Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting tubing in which uncut tubing is fed over punches connected to an arbor extending the length of a machine from a cutting head. The cutting head includes dies operative with the punches to cut the tubing into tubing pieces. Lengths of tubing are received by a carriage and cut into the tubing pieces. The carriage is capable of detecting the leading edge of the tubing and the trailing edge of the tubing. The lengths of tubing and tubing pieces have a unidirectional material flow to the end of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting short tubular elements into nuts, fittings, sleeves, or other annular fasteners or couplers comprises means defining a plurality of stations including a receiving station and a plurality of working stations. Each tubular element must be positioned in each station in the course of its conversion. The receiving station is constructed to establish a predetermined orientation of each tube received thereby. Mechanism is provided for automatic and successive transfer of the tube elements from the receiving to the following stations, in series relation. Tooling is provided in essentially coaxial alignment with each of the tube elements at each working station.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and procedure for processing tubular or cylindrical stock, particularly short lengths thereof, into precision formed end products includes a chute, preferably formed of a pair of parallel wall surfaces mounting opposed guide plates at least a portion of which are adjustable. The orientation of the chute and its cross section are made such that in the delivery thereof the longitudinal axis of the stock is maintained substantially parallel to the position in which such axis must be set for the working thereof. A transfer device cycled to and from the delivery end of the chute successively receives elements of the stock discharged therefrom and carries them to a work station without change of their orientation. Upon reaching said working station, said transfer device first holds the stock loosely against a complementary abutment surface, essentially in the attitude required for the working thereof.

Abstract: High speed tube cutting apparatus provides die means for the simultaneous cutting of a plurality of tube segments from a length of tubing. Preferred embodiments are capable of cutting the tube segments in extremely short lengths and with the ends thereof formed on a bias. The improvements of the invention eliminate waste and enable the shearing of the tube segments to be achieved in a single stroke of the included die means. A further feature of the invention apparatus is that it provides means for precisely realigning sheared tube segments with the tubing from which they have been cut to facilitate their ejection under the influence of the advancement of such tubing.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention provides tube cutting apparatus including, a head structure mounting cutter means defining a cutting station for a length of tubular material, an elongate rod-like structure for mounting the tubular material, tube engaging means for advancement of said tubular material along said rod-like structure to said cutting station, support means for said rod-like structure including a portion of table-like form, means for an initially free pivotal connection of said table-like support portion to said head structure and a pedestal type support for the opposite end of said table-like support portion including means for a lateral adjustment thereof about said pivot means to effect a precise alignment of said rod-like structure with said cutting station.