Abstract: A simplified wire bending machine is provided comprising a bending head with an integrated wire cutoff mechanism. The bending head comprises an inner portion, wherein the inner portion includes a wire bending channel; and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion includes a cutting edge and one or more bending pins. The outer portion is rotatable about the inner portion such that a bending pin is capable of bending a wire around the inner portion. Further, the outer portion is movable from a first position to a second position in which the cutting edge is configured to engage and shear a wire.

Abstract: A wire butt welding apparatus includes at least two clamps, individual ones of the at least two clamps configured to hold a respective wire. The individual ones of the at least two clamps are positioned within the wire welder such that the ends of individual ones of the respective wires, when held by the respective clamps, will contact each other. One or more individual ones of the at least two clamps are associated with an adjustment axis about which the individual ones of the at least two clamps are configured to rotate. An adjustment mechanism is operatively coupled to fix one or more of the at least two clamps corresponding to the associated adjustment axis at an angular orientation with respect to a second clamp.

Abstract: A simplified wire bending machine is provided comprising a bending head with an integrated wire cutoff mechanism. The bending head comprises an inner portion, wherein the inner portion includes a wire bending channel; and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion includes a cutting edge and one or more bending pins. The outer portion is rotatable about the inner portion such that a bending pin is capable of bending a wire around the inner portion. Further, the outer portion is movable from a first position to a second position in which the cutting edge is configured to engage and shear a wire.

Abstract: A roller clamping apparatus is provided that includes a first jaw and a second jaw configured to move relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. The jaws include at least one drive roller supported by the first jaw and configured to rotate a round wire having a longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes at least one support element supported by the second jaw. When the jaws are in a closed position, the drive roller and the support rollers tangentially contact an outside surface of the wire. The support element is positioned to make contact with the wire across the longitudinal axis of the wire when the wire is secured within the clamping apparatus. Mechanisms and methods that use the roller clamping apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A center column drive for a spiral conveyor is used to rotate a drive tower to move a conveyor belt in a helical pattern. The drive tower is driven by the center column drive to cause rotation about a vertical axis. The center column drive includes a base having a platform and a plurality of support legs that support the platform. The center column drive also includes a slew ring that is secured to the platform at one end and to a center column of the drive tower and a second end. Rotation of an electric gear motor causes rotation of a portion of the slew ring, which, in turn, rotates the drive tower.

Abstract: A roller clamping apparatus is provided that includes a first jaw and a second jaw configured to move relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. The jaws include at least one drive roller supported by the first jaw and configured to rotate a round wire having a longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes at least one support element supported by the second jaw. When the jaws are in a closed position, the drive roller and the support rollers tangentially contact an outside surface of the wire. The support element is positioned to make contact with the wire across the longitudinal axis of the wire when the wire is secured within the clamping apparatus. Mechanisms and methods that use the roller clamping apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A center column drive for a spiral conveyor is used to rotate a drive tower to move a conveyor belt in a helical pattern. The drive tower is driven by the center column drive to cause rotation about a vertical axis. The center column drive includes a base having a platform and a plurality of support legs that support the platform. The center column drive also includes a slew ring that is secured to the platform at one end and to a center column of the drive tower and a second end. Rotation of an electric gear motor causes rotation of a portion of the slew ring, which, in turn, rotates the drive tower.

Abstract: A wire butt welding apparatus includes at least two clamps, individual ones of the at least two clamps configured to hold a respective wire. The individual ones of the at least two clamps are positioned within the wire welder such that the ends of individual ones of the respective wires, when held by the respective clamps, will contact each other. One or more individual ones of the at least two clamps are associated with an adjustment axis about which the individual ones of the at least two clamps are configured to rotate. An adjustment mechanism is operatively coupled to fix one or more of the at least two clamps corresponding to the associated adjustment axis at an angular orientation with respect to a second clamp.