Abstract: A method for roll-forming a tubular member is provided. The method includes providing a roll-forming machine having a pair of rollers and a forming roller adjacent the pair of rollers. Further, cutting a strip of sheet metal to form a segment having free leading and trailing ends extending between a predetermined length; feeding the segment between the pair rollers; calculating the thickness of the segment via feedback from the pair of rollers; automatically adjusting the position of the forming roller in response to the determined thickness of the segment; advancing the segment between the pair of rollers and against the forming roller to form an annulus; and forming a weld joint between the free ends.

Abstract: A method for roll-forming a tubular member is provided. The method includes providing a roll-forming machine having a pair of rollers and a forming roller adjacent the pair of rollers. Further, cutting a strip of sheet metal to form a segment having free leading and trailing ends extending between a predetermined length; feeding the segment between the pair rollers; calculating the thickness of the segment via feedback from the pair of rollers; automatically adjusting the position of the forming roller in response to the determined thickness of the segment; advancing the segment between the pair of rollers and against the forming roller to form an annulus; and forming a weld joint between the free ends.

Abstract: A method for roll-forming a tubular member is provided. The method includes providing a roll-forming machine having a pair of rollers and a forming roller adjacent the pair of rollers. Further, cutting a strip of sheet metal to form a segment having free leading and trailing ends extending between a predetermined length; feeding the segment between the pair rollers; calculating the thickness of the segment via feedback from the pair of rollers; automatically adjusting the position of the forming roller in response to the determined thickness of the segment; advancing the segment between the pair of rollers and against the forming roller to form an annulus; and forming a weld joint between the free ends.

Abstract: An improved cable tie dispensing apparatus includes a cutting and feeding apparatus which advances and severs a cable tie from an elongate strip of cables ties for delivery to an automatic cable tie installation tool. The cutting and feeding apparatus provides an elongate platform for supporting a cable tie strip therealong and a severing location adjacent one end of the platform which is defined to support one cable tie. An alignment pilot is supported adjacent the severing location and is movable towards the severing location so as to separate the supported cable tie from the strip to which it is connected. The alignment pilot includes a punch for severing the web between adjacent cable ties upon movement of the pilot toward the severing location. A firing chamber is included which has an open face for insertion of a single cable tie therein. The open face is sealably closed by movement of the pilot toward the severing location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an engine cylinder head for leaks regardless of whether the cylinder head is attached to an engine block. The cylinder head has a fuel injector aperture extending from a first side to a second side thereof, has a coolant passageway communicating with the fuel injector apertures between the first and second sides of the cylinder head, and has a sleeve in the fuel injector aperture to separate the fuel injector aperture from the coolant passageway. An air-tight seal is formed in the fuel injector aperture between the coolant passageway and the first side of the cylinder head. Another air-tight seal is formed in the fuel injector aperture between the coolant passageway and the second side of the cylinder head. The fuel injector aperture is then pressurized between the air-tight seals thereof. The pressure of the fuel injector aperture between the air-tight seals is then monitored over a period of time.