Abstract: A formation and rotation apparatus for use in forming and rotating interconnected sections of a cylindrical workpiece, including a frame and a head arranged within the frame, the head defining two slots and being operatively rotated via an integral drive assembly. A first slide block is slidably disposed within one of the two slots, and a second slide block is disposed within another of the two slots, each of the first and the second slide blocks include a cutting wheel and a beading wheel for successively forming each of the interconnected sections. An armature having an axis of rotation is also provided, along with a gripping mechanism being operatively connected to the armature. A drive mechanism selectively rotates the armature about the axis of rotation after the gripping means has closed about one of the interconnected sections.

Abstract: A pre-beading apparatus for fashioning a cylindrical includes a housing have a work surface and an aperture formed in the work surface, where the aperture is capable of accommodating the cylindrical workpiece. A rotatable head assembly is concentrically aligned with the aperture, and includes a bead wheel and a cut wheel disposed on opposing distal ends of the rotatable head assembly. A gripper assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a securing means that extends into the cylindrical workpiece and permits selective movement of the cylindrical workpiece in an axial direction.