Abstract: In manufacturing a tubular valve sleeve having axially extending grooves on its inner surface, the valve sleeve groove ends are closed by radially inward displacement of sleeve material, which is limited by a mandrel to minimize the formation of cracks in the material. First, a tubular member is provided which has a plurality of grooves extending axially along an inner surface of the tubular member through the axially opposite end surfaces of the tubular member. The end surfaces extend radially outward from the inner surface of the tubular member to the outer surface. Each of the axially extending grooves has a base surface located between the inner and outer surfaces. A pair of first punches are simultaneously forcefully abutted against the end surfaces, between the base surface of each groove and the outer surface. This displaces material of the end surface adjacent each groove radially inwardly of the inner surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve sleeve including the steps of providing a tubular member having a plurality of grooves extending axially along an inner surface of the tubular member through a pair of axially opposite end surfaces of the tubular member. The end surfaces extend radially outward from an inner surface of the tubular member to an outer surface. Each of the axially extending grooves have a base surface located between the inner and outer surfaces. The method also includes forcefully abutting a first punch against at least one of the end surfaces between the base surface of each groove and the outer surface to displace material of the end surface adjacent each groove radially inwardly of the inner surface. The method also includes then forcefully abutting a second punch against the displaced material of the end surface which extends radially inwardly of the inner surface and moving a portion of the displaced material axially and radially outwardly to form a seal land at an end of each groove.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to shape the edges of flow control grooves in a valve sleeve. The apparatus includes a plurality of groove edge shaping tools which are pivotally supported in a circular array. A valve sleeve is telescoped over working end portions of the tools. A locator member engages an opening in the valve sleeve to hold the valve sleeve in radial alignment with the tools. A punch then forces a driver axially downwardly against the working end portions of the tools to pivot them radially outwardly against the edges of the grooves in the valve sleeve to shape the edges of the grooves. As the punch is subsequently withdrawn, a return spring moves a retainer upwardly against the tail end portions of the tools to pivot the tools inwardly out of engagement with the valve sleeve and to retain the tools in position out of engagement with the valve sleeve.