Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. At least one straight finite length segment of tube is supplied to the tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. The two ends of the tube, following the bend, are measured to determine the distance between the end face of each leg to the bend axis. Appropriate adjustment is made to a pushing member to keep the ends of the tube in a generally coplanar relation. Additional measurement is performed to facilitate adjustment between the tube supply device and the tube bending mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an elongate tube includes a cutting head that supports an annular cutting member having a cutting edge. An actuator is provided that includes first and second eccentric mechanisms that project from first and second shafts, respectively, and are connected to the cutting head. A frame plate is connected to the shafts. A passageway extends through the frame plate and is coaxial with the cutting edge of the annular member in an initial non-cutting position thereof. First and second guide plates are positioned on opposite sides of the cutting head. The first guide plate is commonly connected to the first and second shafts and the second guide plate is connected to the first guide plate. A first bore extends through the first guide plate and a second bore extends through the second guide plate. The first and second guide bores are coaxial with the cutting edge of the annular member in an initial non-cutting position thereof.

Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.

Abstract: A tube transfer device which includes a tube conveyor for transporting processed tubes from an entry location to an exit location thereon. The tube conveyor includes a plurality of first tube holders thereon which are adapted to hold the processed tubes so that axes thereof will extend parallel to one another and be laterally spaced apart a first distance from one another at the aforesaid entry location. A movable tube shuttle is provided for shifting processed tubes between a first position and a second position located adjacent the aforesaid entry location to the tube conveyor. The tube shuttle includes movable second tube holders adapted to receive the processed tubes when at the aforesaid first position and while maintaining a second distance between the processed tubes.

Abstract: A sheet metal working apparatus having a supply mechanism adapted to supply an elongated and flat strip of sheet metal stock to an inlet of a punch press and along a longitudinal axis of the strip. An intermittently operable drive device is provided for effecting an intermittent movement of the strip of sheet metal stock relative to a punch press. A set of tools are provided on the punch press as well as a second intermittent drive device for effecting a metal working engagement of the tools with the sheet metal stock during intervals of time between the movement of the sheet metal stock to produce a continuous strip of a finished sheet metal fin stock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the orienting of the ends of a finite length segment of tube following a bend thereof through a predefined angle. A supplying and delivering device supplies at least one straight finite length segment of tube to a tube bender for bending the tube about a bend axis. A first end of the finite length segment is oriented a predetermined distance from a bend axis about which the finite length segment is to be bent. The finite length segment is clamped to the bend arbor for movement therewith. The bend arbor is moved through the predefined angle to effect a bending of the finite length segment while simultaneously pushing the first end of said finite length segment toward a location whereat the finite length segment is clamped to the bend arbor.

Abstract: A mechanical tube expander for simultaneously expanding plural hairpin tubes into interlocked relationship with plural fins which includes a frame on which is provided a receiver to support the bent portions of the hairpin tubes in an assembly of fins loosely stacked on the straight leg portions of the hairpin tubes. A support structure is also provided on the frame for engaging and supporting a first endmost fin that is oriented immediately adjacent to but spaced from the receiver. A pressure plate carrying a plurality of expander rods is provided and each of the expander rods is aligned with the hairpin tubes. A stripper plate structure having plural guide openings therethrough is also provided. The expander rods extend through the guide openings. Structure is provided on the stripper plate for engaging a second endmost sheet of the assembly of fins at an end thereof which is remote from the receiver.

Abstract: A tube cutoff device which includes a rotatable cutter head assembly for radially slidably supporting a cutter and a pair of support rollers in circumferentially spaced relationship. A stationary tubular guide extends through the cutter head assembly for permitting a tube to be fed therethrough and positioned between the cutter and the support rollers. A cam assembly is rotatable with and axially slidably supported on the cutter head assembly. When the cam assembly is axially displaced, it cooperates with the cutter and rollers for displacing same radially inwardly into engagement with the tube which is to be cut. The cam assembly is axially activated by a nonrotatable actuator which is axially movable and coupled to the cam assembly. The actuator is coaxially aligned with the cutter head assembly and is positioned concentrically around the tubular guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing sheathed heating elements, including means for supporting a plurality of sheaths to be filled with a particulate material, means for positioning a plurality of resistive elements individually within the sheaths, a plurality of sets of inner and outer concentric filling tubes defining an annular filler passage therebetween for the material, means for positioning the plurality of sets of concentric filling tubes within the sheaths in surrounding relationship to the resistance elements, means for feeding the material through the passage as the tubes are withdrawn from the sheath so as to concentrically position each resistance element within its respective sheath and to fill the sheath from the bottom thereof with the material, and valve means for controlling the feeding of the material through the passage.