Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.

Abstract: Forming a tubular workpiece by applying fluid pressure to the interior of the workpiece and enclosing the pressurized workpiece in a die that has a die cavity. A portion or the whole of the die cavity has its internal periphery smaller than the external periphery of the workpiece. This subjects the workpiece to compressive forming.

Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of cutting opposing holes in a side wall of a tubular workpiece and removing the cut out slugs, in which first and second axially aligned punches are applied to opposite side walls of a pressurized workpiece. The second punch has a larger width than the first punch, and reciprocates in a passageway extending laterally from the workpiece. The punches are reciprocated so that the first punch passes through both side walls, and first and second slugs are cut out. The end of the first punch is advanced toward the end of the second punch to capture the cut out slugs between the ends of the first and second punches, and the punches are moved so that the ends of the punches and the slugs captured between them progress along the passageway away from the workpiece. The ends of the punches are separated at a region of the passageway spaced from the workpiece, and the released slugs are removed from the ends of the punches.

Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.

Abstract: A frame member of rectangular cross section with rounded corners is formed by expansion of a tubular blank within a die cavity having an inner portion of corresponding cross section and an outer transition portion which is of smoothly continuously curved cross sectional profile elongated substantially parallel to the larger dimension of the rectangular section. An outer portion of the tubular blank is deformed to correspond with the continuously curved cross sectional profile and is sealed by a resiliently compressible sealing element of corresponding profile through which fluid pressure is applied in order to expand the blank. By matching the profile of the transition portion to the rectangular inner portion, the transition portion can be made shorter and considerable savings of materials and resources can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluid filling and pressurizing a tube having a high pressure-low flow fluid circuit in the form of a shaft having a longitudinal bore communicating with a high pressure fluid source, a tube seal device adjacent the forward end of the shaft for sealing the tube when the shaft is engaged with the tube and high pressure fluid flows into the tube, and a device for reciprocating the shaft to advance and retract the shaft toward and away from the tube. A high flow low pressure circuit has a shroud for housing the forward end of the shaft when retracted and a rearward opening slidably and sealably engaging the shaft rearward of the tube seal device. The interior of the shroud communicates with a high flow-low pressure fluid source for sealing an external surface adjacent an end of the tube.

Abstract: Fill and pressurization apparatus having a sectional fluid conductor having a first section fixed relative to the surroundings, and a second section which moves toward the first section to form an enclosure through which a high volume flow rate--low pressure flow may be passed to fill an adjacent open end of a tube with liquid. Said fluid is passed through an inlet conduit, which may be a rigid conduit, to the fixed first section. A seal head insertable into the end of the filled tube has an elastomeric seal member and a rod and a sleeve relatively axially displaceable to compress the seal member and deform it into sealing engagement with a surface of the tube. A stop member on one of the rod and sleeve and a stop surface on the other of the rod and sleeve limit the axial displacement and hence also the compressive force applied to the seal member. The relative displacement is achieved by retracting one of the rod and the sleeve and blocking the retraction of the other.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling a tube with fluid and for pressurizing the tube, in order to expand and form it within a die for example. The apparatus provides a high flow-low pressure fluid circuit for quickly filling and draining the tube, together with a separate high pressure-low flow fluid circuit for pressurizing and depressurizing the tube. The high pressure circuit of the apparatus comprises a shaft having a longitudinal bore communicating with a high pressure fluid source and control means; tube sealing means adjacent the forward end of the shaft for sealing the tube when the shaft is engaged with the tube and high pressure fluid flows into the tube; and shaft reciprocating means for advancing and retracting the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling a tube with fluid and for pressurizing the tube, in order to expand and form it within a die for example. The apparatus provides a high flow-low pressure fluid circuit for quickly filling and draining the tube, together with a separate high pressure-low flow fluid circuit for pressurizing and depressurizing the tube. The high pressure circuit of the apparatus includes a shaft having a longitudinal bore, communicating with a high pressure fluid source and controls; tube sealing device adjacent the forward end of the shaft for sealing the tube when the shaft is engaged with the tube and high pressure fluid flows into the tube; and a shaft reciprocating mechanism for advancing and retracting the shaft.