Abstract: Method and apparatus for heating, cooling and stretching a metal specimen as it is being elongated, according to a temperature curve selected to provide a finished product having a predetermined microstructive, ultimate tensile strength, yield point and cross-section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the critical temperature at which Bainite is formed from a low carbon steel, and for forming a steel material with a predetermined percentage of Bainite. The temperature of low carbon steel is raised to a temperature above the critical temperature at which Bainite is formed. The temperature is then raised to the critical temperature and maintained at that level until a predetermined percent of the steel microstructure has changed to Bainite.A novel chain pump is disclosed for maintaining the steel at a selected temperature plateau.

Abstract: A cam-actuated robotic manipulator system comprising an articulated robot arm adapted for multiple degrees of angular motion, and an actuator system which includes series-connected four-bar linkages and a cam input mechanism for controlling each degree of motion of the robot arm. The several series-connected four-bar linkages for each degree of motion share at least some common axes of rotation, one of which is position-variable for adjusting output position of the corresponding manipulator arm segment for a given cam input. The input mechanism to each four-bar linkage arrangement comprises conjugate cams and conjugate cam followers having an overload mechanism connected therebetween to detect obstruction to movement of the corresponding arm segment for disengaging the cam drive mechanism, and thereby preventing damage to the robot manipulator arm and actuator.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor for transporting and locating a series of spark plug insulator and electrode assemblies in individual corresponding spark plug cells comprising a hollow pneumatic transfer line and opposed first and second pneumatic vacuum pumps disposed in the line and controlled first to propel an insulator and electrode assembly at high speed toward the downstream end of the line and then to decelerate the assembly such that the latter exits the downstream end by substantially the force of gravity. A placement hand receives successive assemblies from the transport line and is operative first to center a corresponding shell beneath the assembly and then to drop the assembly into the shell for swaging at a later work station.

Abstract: The specification discloses a reinforcing fabric for concrete or the like and a method for making the same in which stirrup members are joined to the fabric by rigid joining members such that the stirrup members are retained generally in the plane of the fabric. The joining members are bendable, however, such that the stirrup members can be rotated to an erect position projecting away from the plane of the fabric. In an alternative embodiment, individual stirrup projections are joined to the fabric and are made of rigid but bendable materials so that they can individually be bent out of the general plane of the fabric.

Abstract: The specification discloses a pipe joint which utilizes a spherically tapered coupling that mates spherically tapered pipe ends. Because of the spherical tapers, O-ring seals contained in the coupler do not engage the pipe ends until the pipe ends and coupling are seated to form the pipe joint. In one embodiment, a plastic ring or cap is made integral with each pipe end and acts as a sliding surface that allows ready joining of the pipe ends with the coupler.

Abstract: Fabric and method for reinforcing concrete pipe or the like in which a plurality of sets of transverse wires are arranged along the length of the line, or circumferential defining, wires, each set defining a segment of fabric having a length corresponding to the circumference and overlap desired for a cage to be formed from that segment. Preferably, the distance between the first and last transverse wires in each set corresponds to the desired circumference of a cage to be formed and the distance between adjacent sets corresponds to the desired overlap.

Abstract: The specification discloses a completely automated method and apparatus for producing high tensile steel, of a controlled, predetermined U.T.S. and cross sectional area, from low and medium carbon steel by subjecting the steel to substantial elongation while simultaneously substantially heating and immediately thereafter rapidly quenching the steel, and while continually moving the steel relative to the heating and quenching means employed. The steel is heated to a temperature above its austenite conversion temperature. Greater elongation produces greater ultimate tensile strength, as much as more than twice as great as the starting ultimate tensile strength, and elongations approaching 200 percent have been effected.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus and a process for forming the female or bell end of welded wire reinforcing cages, particularly cages of the type used to reinforce concrete pipe. A cylindrical wire cage assembly is automatically centered and positioned within the apparatus and the bell end is formed by elongating one or more of the circumferential wires at one end of the cage. A force is applied between two points on the circumferential wires to simultaneously expand the wires and rotate the cage. A heat source is applied to a localized zone between the two points on the wire. The heat source and wire are moved relative to each other such that the heat zone moves along the wire as the force is applied. The wire is stretched under the force being applied to thereby continuously reduce the diameter of the wire and elongate the wire as it is moved relative to the heat source.

Abstract: The specification discloses a self-compensating die in which a plurality of roller sets mounted in a rotating rotor rotate about a wire passing through the rotor and compressively engage the wire to thereby reduce its diameter. A sleeve rotatable with the rotor but axially slidable with respect thereto includes cams which control the roller sets in response to adjusting signals from a control system to thereby automatically compensate the roller pressure applied in response to roller wear and other errors, and to thereby provide a means for adjusting the die for production of different sized wires from a wire of a given starting diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a closed loop object such as a pipe reinforcing cage from wire fabric includes an infeed carriage assembly receiving sections of wire fabric and transporting the fabric to a pair of gripping assemblies. Each gripping assembly includes rotatable gripping jaws mounted on a slide in turn positioned on a carriage for motion toward and away from each other such that opposite ends of the fabric can be brought together while rotating the gripping jaws to form a cylindrical cage. Speed control means are provided for assuring the gripping jaws advance toward each other in synchronism with the rotation of the jaws thereby forming a perfect cylindrical cage. Welding means are provided for welding the ends of the cage so formed while held in position by the gripping jaws.