Abstract: An elongate member former is characterized by three-way powered forming movement and is composed of a main frame and a moveable die table mounted on the main frame and adapted to carry a die for being urged against the member to form the member into a predetermined shape. Carriage ways are carried on the main frame and first and second carriages mounted are on the carriage ways in spaced-apart relation on opposing sides of the die table. Member holders are carried by each of the first and second carriages for holding opposite ends of a member to be formed. Tensioners are carried by each of the first and second carriages for placing the member being formed under a predetermined tension. The first and second carriages rotate for applying a twisting forming movement to the member and the first and second carriages move the member holders vertically along a line perpendicular to the direction of tension application on the member for applying a nontwisting bend to the member.

Abstract: An extrusion former includes tension cylinders for holding an extrusion by its opposite ends under tension in jaws which are free to pivot in tangent relation as a centrally positioned die is urged against the extrusion to form it into a predetermined shape whereupon tension upon the extrusion is released, the hold by the jaws on the extrusion is released and formed extrusion is removed from the extrusion. A locking device locks the tension cylinders at the exact tangent position at which the extrusion is properly and completely formed to permit removal of the extrusion from the hold of the jaws without binding or kinking of the extrusion in the jaws caused by residual tension in the extrusion after forming.

Abstract: The apparatus forms an elongate tubular member into a predetermined shape while preventing crimping of the walls of the member and comprises jaws for holding the member at its opposing ends and a pressurizer for pressurizing the interior of the member to a predetermined pressure greater than atmospheric pressure while being held sufficient to provide increased effective regidity and crimp resistance to the walls of the member. A die exerts a force against the member sufficient to form the member into a predetermined shape while pressurized. The pressure within the member is released after the member has been formed into its desired shape.