Abstract: An apparatus for crimping the ends of flexible pipe sections is adapted for mounting on a machine for winding flexible pipe from steel bands. The pipe forming machine includes multiple pairs of roller dies for profiling a flat metal band to a configuration with flanges on leading and trailing edges of the band. The profiled band is wound on a mandrel and the adjacent flanges of respective bindings interlock as the profiled band is spiral-wound on the mandrel. The crimping apparatus is mounted upstream of the mandrel and receives the profiled band. The crimping apparatus includes a pair of roller arm assemblies each mounting a roller die. The roller arm assemblies are interconnected by a toggle linkage mechanism which is connected to a linear actuator for moving the roller arm assemblies between engaged positions for compressing the flanges to non-interlocking configurations and disengaged positions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 9, 1990
Date of Patent:
August 6, 1991
Assignee:
Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
Inventors:
Gregory S. McGowen, Arthur H. Clawson, Jr.