Abstract: Disclosed is a tube bending device which includes at least one bending roller mounted to be rotatably movable relative to a frame and at least one crease erasing member. This device is specific in that it includes a plate designed with: reception surfaces to receive, support and position the crease erasing member which is attached thereto, a unit for fixing to the frame, and guide surfaces pivotably connected for the roller.

Abstract: A method of installing an In-Line Structure (ILS) to a fluid-filled pipeline extending from a reel, over an aligner, and through a lay-tower during offshore reeling, the pipeline having an oblique part from the reel to the aligner, and a vertical part from the aligner through the lay-tower, including at least the steps of: (a) draining fluid in the fluid-filled pipeline from the vertical part of the pipeline to create a drained portion of the vertical part of the pipeline up to and around the aligner; (b) cutting the pipeline at or near the draining of step (a) to create upper and lower open ends of the pipeline; (c) installing the In-Line Structure to at least the upper open end of the pipeline; (d) locating a vent hose through a vent port in the In-Line Structure; (e) adding fluid into the drained portion of the pipeline and venting air from the drained portion of the pipeline through the vent hose to wholly or substantially fill the drained portion of the pipeline with the fluid.

Abstract: A method of installing an In-Line Structure (ILS) to a flooding fluid-filled pipeline extending from a reel, over an aligner, and through a lay-tower during offshore reeling, the pipeline having an oblique part from the reel to the aligner, and a vertical part from the aligner through the lay-tower, including the steps of: (a) draining the flooding fluid from the vertical part of the pipeline to create a drained portion of the vertical part of the pipeline up to and around the aligner; (b) cutting the pipeline at or near the draining of step (a) to create upper and lower open ends of the pipeline; (c) installing a pig into the upper open end; (d) moving the pig through the pipeline to reach a flooding fluid-filled part of the pipeline; (e) adding flooding fluid into the flooding fluid-filled part of the pipeline to reverse the movement of the pig in step (d) and to wholly or substantially refill the drained portion of the pipeline; and (f) installing the In-Line Structure (ILS) to at least the upper open end

Abstract: A tie bar tensioning system that allows a bending machine operator to removably couple an upper end of a bend die post of the bending machine to a base of the bending machine via a tie bar, and to lock the tie bar in a tensioned position. The tensioning system includes a stationary member and a rotatable member, each with aligned tie bar passages for receiving the one end of the tie bar. Both the stationary member and the rotatable member include respective engagement surfaces, with the rotatable member engagement surface being rotatable relative to the stationary member engagement surface between a released position and a tensioned position whereat the rotatable member is selectively lockable. The rotation of the rotatable member with the stationary engagement surface in engagement with the stationary engagement surface longitudinally displacing the rotatable member relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: Counter-matrix having a removable insert at an end and a roller at the other end, wherein the roller, exerting, an annular groove thereof, only the function of guiding the metal pipe being processed and by eliminating any sliding friction with the pipe, reduces the strain of the pipe bending machines. The insert has a semi-cylindrical work surface with a smaller radius or equivalent to the nominal external radius of the pipe. The insert is preferably tilted with respect to the geometric axis of the pipe or metal section, coinciding with the insertion direction of the pipe in the pipe bending machines.

Abstract: A pipe bend die unit includes a bend die that comprises a clamp member and a counter pressure member, wherein the clamp member has a first groove part of half-circular cross section and a fitting recess extending in a peripheral direction by a first predetermined length on a planar surface perpendicular to a rotary axis. A fitting protrusion of the counter pressure member is positioned in the fitting recess to form a pipe-receiving groove of half-circular cross section, so that the counter pressure member and the clamp member are hingedly connected to one another about the rotary axis so as to be rotated relative to each other. The fitting recess possesses width expanding end face areas, where a clearance between opposing end faces is enlarged in a predetermined distance range including at least a radially outer end portion, from the rotary axis toward a radial outside.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a split link assembly having a split link (800C) that includes a first half link (801), a second half link (803) and a threaded aperture (805) formed in both the first half link (801) and second half link (803) for use in joining the first half link and second half link with a fastening device (807). The split link assembly is machined to include a head portion (811), shoulder portion (813), barrel portion (815) and base portion (817) for use in providing a highly flexible tube bending mandrel.

Abstract: A split link (800C) includes a first half link (801), a second half link (803) and a threaded aperture (805) formed in both the first half link (801) and second half link (803) for use in joining the first half link and second half link with a fastening device (807) to form a split link assembly. The split link assembly is machined to include a head portion (811), shoulder portion (813), barrel portion (815) and base portion (817) for use in providing a highly flexible tube bending mandrel.

Abstract: In a crossbow-style tube bender, a curved bending mandrel having a channel into which the tube in bent to form the bent tubing length has at least one relief surface forming a localized recess or depression in the surface of the channel. A forming bar or cross bar adapted to cooperate with a bending mandrel has on a first side of the forming bar a least one first pair of forming mandrels configured for a first tubing size, and on a second side of the forming bar has at least one second pair of forming mandrels configured for a second tubing size. The bender has a quick connect-disconnect mechanism permitting quick disconnection from and connection to the forming bar to utilize either the at least one first or at least one second pairs of forming mandrels.

Abstract: In a bending apparatus for rod-shaped workpieces, comprising a machine frame to which a bending head with bending tools is attached, which bending head is movable relative to the frame, further a feed device upstream of the bending head for feeding the workpieces to the same, and a cutting device which can be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpieces and can be applied between bending head and feed device to the respective workpiece for cutting the same, the feed device can also be displaced in the direction of feed of the workpiece in addition to the cutting device, which occurs independent of the displacement of the cutting device.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine has a stiff-back which is driven by a pivoting wedge. A linkage applies force from the actuator to the wedge in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stiff-back. The stiff-back pivots on a first fulcrum and the wedge slides on a bed which pivots on a second fulcrum. The actuator drives the wedge between the stiff-back and the bed to rotate the stiff-back at the first fulcrum and bend the pipe seated in the stiff-back against the pipe bending face of a die. The conversion of the longitudinal force applied to the wedge into a transverse force applied to the stiff-back provides a significant mechanical advantage which varies directionally as the stiff-back rotates about its fulcrum to maintain a constant force on the stiff-back.

Abstract: A machine to bend tubular elements comprising bending means provided with a bending arm and a bend core disposed, when in use, inside said tubular element. The bend core comprises a support bar, a contrasting ogive and a possible bend-follower element disposed articulated at the head of the contrasting ogive. The machine also comprises movement means to move said tubular element in a direction toward said bending means and cutting means to cut a segment of tube. The machine comprises holding means disposed on the perimeter around said tubular element and configured to maintain said bend core in a condition of suspension inside said tubular element.

Abstract: A bending assembly for extruded, stock material specifically including elongated channel stock initially supported on a mandrel in an operative position relative to a forming assembly which includes a movable section and a fixed section. The movable section includes a forming channel disposed about a periphery thereof and having a predetermined curved configuration corresponding to the intended curve of the stock material to be bent. Cooperative placement and structuring of the movable and fixed sections continuously force the stock material into the forming channel and along the length thereof upon travel of the movable section through a forming cycle. A locking assembly is structured to secure the stock material to the movable section, such that the stock material moves relative to the both the movable and fixed sections and with the movable section during the forming cycle. A brace assembly is mounted interiorly of the stock material in order to prevent unwanted deformation thereof.

Abstract: A primary device that includes a heading sensor and a remote secondary device cooperate to calibrate the heading sensor. The secondary device cooperates by measuring its Earth relative position and transmitting the position to the primary device. The primary device calculates a true heading from the positions of both devices and subtracts the true heading from a measured heading to the secondary device to form a heading calibration angle. The process may be extended to calculate a pitch calibration angle.

Abstract: A supporting core for using in a device for forming plates into a structured hollow profile and a method for producing structured hollow profiles from a plate, which on the one hand ensures an all-over support of the plate, and still enables the production of hollow profiles with a variable cross-section or a curved course, is provided by including individual supporting members, which when pushed together at least in part form as a surface an inner contour of the hollow profile to be produced and are interconnected by means of coupling elements, wherein the coupling elements allow the supporting members to be pulled-apart, and wherein the supporting members are interconnected in a hinged manner in the pulled-apart position.

Abstract: A device for the free-form bending of longitudinal profiles, in particular pipes, in which an axial sleeve is arranged downstream of a feed unit in its direction of feed. Arranged downstream of the axial sleeve in the direction of feed, is a bending sleeve. The feed unit and the axial sleeve in each case have a drive pointing in the direction of feed, wherein the axial sleeve can be adjusted independently of the feed unit. The feed unit and the axial sleeve further have rotary drives for the simultaneous rotation in the same direction of the longitudinal profile held and guided by them. The bending sleeve can only be adjusted in a translatory manner by means of a drive in an axis running transverse to the axis of the longitudinal profile and the feed device. In addition to this, it can be pivoted by means of a drive about an axis lying transverse to the axis of the longitudinal profile and the feed device.

Abstract: In a rotary tube bender, a first set of pressure sensors is located between the normally disposed mating surfaces of a wiper die insert and its wiper die holder; and a second set of pressure sensors is located between the axially disposed surfaces of the wiper die insert and the wiper die holder. Signal outputs of the first and second sets of pressure sensors over the course of bending cycles are compared to previously determined nominal signal outputs for drift indicative of whether a realignment or replacement of the wiper die should be performed.

Abstract: A production apparatus for bending a multi-channel tube having an outer tube and a partition partitioning an interior of the outer tube into two or more channel holes is provided with a bending mold configured to bend the multi-channel tube in a bend radius; a pressure mold configured to press the multi-channel tube toward the bending mold; a chuck portion configured to hold and draw the multi-channel tube along the bending mold; and mandrels respectively inserted into the channel holes, each of the mandrels including; a mandrel body configured to support inner surfaces of each channel hole; a support device rotatably and movably supporting the mandrel body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for cambering, forming, folding or bending a bar, a wire or an extruded shape. The invention includes a bending form provided with a clamping system, a device for orienting the tube, and a bending jaw (8). The bending jaw is prismatic and machined to the tube radius on at least one of its surfaces. The kinematics of the displacement of the bending jaw in a peripheral area at the bending form is provided by any combination of at least two, rectilinear or rotating, movements. The bending jaw is steerable in rotation about a median axis perpendicular to the bending plane. The bending jaw is mobile in the vertical direction to provide multiple bending operations.

Abstract: A tube bending assembly adapted for use with a rotary draw bender, and preferably including a bend die mounting unit for securing a plurality of stacked bend dies drivenly coupled to the bender, a bend die tower unit for structurally supporting the bend die mounting unit, a wiper die mounting unit for securing a wiper die adjacent a selected bend die, a clamp die mounting unit for positioning and securing a clamp die, a pressure die mounting unit for securing a pressure die adjacent the clamp die, a mandrel saddle unit for positioning and enabling the utilization of a mandrel assembly, a collet saddle unit for positioning and enabling the utilization of a collet, and a bolster unit that interconnects the units, so as to present an integrated assembly capable of concurrent disconnection from and connection to the bender, and thereby reducing the tool set change-over period.

Abstract: On a machine for bending rod-shaped or tubular workpieces, which includes a bending head having a bending mandrel mounted on a rotational axis and rotatable by means of a rotary drive, and having a clamping device for pressing the workpiece to be bent against a forming groove on the bending mandrel and also a feeding device for the workpiece to be processed, whereby the clamping device is positionable relative to the bending mandrel and can is also pivotable concentrically to the rotational axis of the bending mandrel, the clamping device is attached to two mutually independent rotary drives, one of which performs its pivoting movement about the rotational axis of the bending mandrel, and via the other of which it can be moved with respect to the bending mandrel by using an interposed conversion transmission that converts a rotary motion to a linear motion, whereby the bending head includes three concentrically nested rotary shafts for transmitting the drive of the three rotary drives to the bending mandrel,

Abstract: A bending apparatus which can bend pipes and obtain as small curvature as possible without flattening or buckling easily occurring in the bending region. The bending apparatus comprises a bending die for a pipe, a clamping die which rotates together with the bending die while clamping the pipe, a pressure die which hold down the pipe, and a metal core which is inserted into the pipe and maintains the shape of the bending region, wherein the metal core is a spherical metal core rotatably supported by an arch shaped arm on the leading end of a core holder.

Abstract: A method for bending magnesium alloy tubes. The method includes heating the tube at moderate temperature in the range of about 100° C. to 200° C., and bending the tube to a bend angle or forming the tube to a desired shape.

Abstract: A method where an inside mandrel is inserted into the inner pipe of the multi-layered pipe, a tubular outside mandrel is inserted into the annular space between the inner pipe and outer pipe, the multi-layered pipe is clamped to a bending die by a clamping die, the multi-layered pipe is held at the rear of a bending portion of the multi-layered pipe by a pressure die and a crease-removing die, and the multi-layered pipe is bent by causing the clamping die to revolve around the bending die. An annular outside mandrel having at least three slits formed in the distal end thereof along generating lines is used as the outside mandrel, and the clamping die is caused to revolve around the bending die with the outside mandrel and inside mandrel protruding toward the distal end of the mutli-layered pipe from a bending start point.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine (1) includes a bending tool (3), a pipe feed unit (9) and a mandrel retractor (19). A pipe holder (8) of the pipe feed unit (9) and a mandrel bar support (24) of the mandrel retractor (19) are guided in the longitudinal pipe direction (12) by a common linear guide system (16) on the machine base. Alternatively or in addition thereto the pipe holder (8) and the mandrel bar support (24) can be moved in the longitudinal pipe direction (12) by a common drive system (15) on the machine base.

Abstract: A transmission device for a tube bending machine include a first power means and a second power means mounted on the sliding seat to drive the sliding seat as well as a workpiece securely connected to the sliding seat to move. The second means has a second motor alternately connected to the clutch so that the transmission power is selectively transmitted to drive the sliding seat when required. Therefore, transmission of workpiece is smooth and the processing work to the workpiece is accomplished.

Abstract: A pipe bending processing apparatus includes a drawing and bending section for pressingly contacting a drawing and bending mold, a clamp mold with one end of a pipe P and performing drawing and bending processing, compression bending section for pressingly contacting a chuck with the other end of the pipe and performing compression bending processing, side bending section for pressingly contacting a wiper, and a side bending mold with the side of the pipe and performing side bending processing. The side bending mold provides a stopper 8 which advances and retracts from a pipe pressingly contact surface and engages with the other end of the pipe.

Abstract: A bending assembly on a bending machine for the bending of rod and/or bar-shaped workpieces (8) includes a bending tool (10) and a bending drive unit (11) with a swivel arm (21) and a bending-drive motor (22). The bending tool (10) has at least one workpiece thrust block (12, 13), and the swivel arm (21) has at least one thrust pad (17, 18). The bending-drive motor (22) rotates the swivel arm (21) with the thrust pad (17, 18) around a bending axis (14) that extends in the transverse direction of the workpiece. The workpiece is bent when the thrust pad (17, 18) forces it against and around the associated workpiece thrust block (12, 13). The shaft of the bending drive motor (22) extends parallel to the bending axis (14), and both ends of the shaft are drive-connected to the swivel arm (21).

Abstract: A feeding mechanism of a pipe bending machine is equipped with several auxiliary hydraulic cylinders in addition to an original power source for providing power to feed a pipe; the auxiliary hydraulic cylinders are joined to an auxiliary fixing member at output rods thereof, which fixing member is displaceable along a toothed locating rod secured on the bending machine, and is equipped with an engaging device capable of releaseably engaging the toothed locating rod to fix the fixing member in position; thus, the feeding mechanism can feed a pipe with increased force output when the fixing member is made unmovable along the locating rod by the engaging device, and when the auxiliary hydraulic cylinders operate.

Abstract: A bending device is described for thin-walled metal tubes (R) made of a straight tube guide (1), a core template (2), which adjoins the tube guide (1) and is pivotable in relation thereto, having a connection strip (3), and a mandrel, having a mandrel tip (4), which is flexible in the region of the core template (2), and a mandrel shaft (5), which adjoins the mandrel tip (4) and is rigidly connected thereto and is axially fixed (1) in the tube guide. In order to support the metal tube (R) to be bent over its entire surface on the inside in the active bending region during the bending procedure, the flexible mandrel tip (4), which comprises a radially incompressible solid cylinder made of elastomer, extends only over the starting section of the bending curve, where the bending procedure occurs.

Abstract: A force transducer is inserted into a small boring inside a test object. Inside the boring, it can measure the elastic extensions caused by the surrounding stress matrix. The force transducer is provided in two parts. Both parts are provided with a conical inner boring or conical outer periphery in such a manner that they can be held inside the boring of the test object by a tractive force. In order to span a large tolerance zone, the outer part is axially provided with multiple slits on both sides. The outer part is provided with a polygonal shape and thereby detects the deformations to be measured, not over the entire periphery, but it records theres via the contacts axially oriented through the axial lines. The extension is integrated in a peripheral direction between the contacts and is transferred into the inner part.

Abstract: A tubular blank (22) is rolled on a mandrel (14) in a pilgrim rolling mill. In a first rolling stage, a first part of the blank (22) is rolled on a first part (18,19) of the mandrel (14), with a reduction of the outside diameter of the blank (22) to the outside diameter of the guide tube and a reduction of the wall thickness of the blank (22) to one of a first wall thickness (e1) and a second wall thickness (e2) exceeding the first wall thickness (e1). The mandrel (14) is advanced in the axial direction. A second part of the blank (22) is rolled on a second part (20,21) of the mandrel spaced from the first part in the axial direction with a reduction of the outside diameter of the blank to the outside diameter of the guide tube and a reduction of the wall thickness of the blank (22) to the other of the first wall thickness (e1) and second wall thickness (e2).

Abstract: A pipe bending processing apparatus includes a drawing and bending section for pressingly contacting a drawing and bending mold, a clamp mold with one end of a pipe P and performing drawing and bending processing, compression bending section for pressingly contacting a chuck with the other end of the pipe and performing compression bending processing, side bending section for pressingly contacting a wiper, and a side bending mold with the side of the pipe and performing side bending processing. The side bending mold provides a stopper 8 which advances and retracts from a pipe pressingly contact surface and engages with the other end of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending mandrel for a bending device and also to a bending method for pipes, more particularly pipes which have a large diameter-to-wall thickness ratio and are to be bent by a small radius, for example, of the order of magnitude of the pipe diameter. To this end use is made of a bending mandrel (5, 6) to whose rigid head (5) assembly (6) of springy sheet metal lamellae (6a, 6b) is attached to improve the bendability of the bending mandrel (5, 6) while maintaining a satisfactory supporting action, the lamellae (6a), with the exception of the outer lamellae (6b), having window-like cutaway portions (6c).

Abstract: A bending device is described for thin-walled metal tubes (R) made of a straight tube guide (1), a core template (2), which adjoins the tube guide (1) and is pivotable in relation thereto, having a connection strip (3), and a mandrel, having a mandrel tip (4), which is flexible in the region of the core template (2), and a mandrel shaft (5), which adjoins the mandrel tip (4) and is rigidly connected thereto and is axially fixed (1) in the tube guide. In order to support the metal tube (R) to be bent over its entire surface on the inside in the active bending region during the bending procedure, the flexible mandrel tip (4), which comprises a radially incompressible solid cylinder made of elastomer, extends only over the starting section of the bending curve, where the bending procedure occurs.

Abstract: Roll gap control is provided using a first roll position detector that detects a first position of a first roll, a second roll position detector that detects a first position of a second roll and a third roll position detector that detects a first position of the third roll. A processor determines a second position of the first roll based on the first position of the second roll and the first position of the third roll.

Abstract: Roll gap control is provided using a first roll position detector that detects a first position of a first roll, a second roll position detector that detects a first position of a second roll and a third roll position detector that detects a first position of the third roll. A processor determines a second position of the first roll based on the first position of the second roll and the first position of the third roll.

Abstract: In a method of bending a pipe material, in order to use an apparatus, such as a press, and prevent the pipe material from being made thin and cracks from being generated, one side of a cylindrical pipe material is firmly held by a first clamp and another side thereof is loosely held by a second clamp. The clamp is relatively moved downward with respect to the clamp. At this time, pressing force is applied to the pipe material in an axial direction from both ends thereof. The pipe material is plastically deformed by being guided by one quarter spherical surface of a first mandrel and one quarter spherical surface of a second mandrel, whereby two bent portions and an intermediate straight portion are formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and multistation device for folding profiles. The folding stations (1, 11, 15, 16, 17) required are modules mounted interchangeable and adjustable on a common machine body (2), which permits quick and simple adaption to the folding requirements. It is thus possible, with one single machine, to implement a whole series of folding processes. With regard to the machine operation, such stations are selected as needed, fitted and set depending on folding criterion.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly is provided for use with a tube bender including a mandrel rod, a mandrel ball, and a coupler. The coupler is configured to couple the mandrel ball to the mandrel rod and includes a link, a first connector member, a second connector member, and a retainer. The link includes a body and a collar. The first and second connector members are positioned to lie over the second end of the body and cooperate to define a groove sized to receive the collar of the link and a socket sized to retain a projection of the mandrel ball. The retainer is positioned to lie over the first and second connector members and the link to secure the first and second connector members to the link.

Abstract: A tube-bending machine is provided for forming a tubular work piece having an inner surface. The tube-bending machine comprises a die assembly for forming the tubular work piece to assume a bent shape, actuator systems configured to move the tubular work piece to predetermined positions relative to the die assembly, a mandrel assembly including a mandrel rod having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end and a plurality of mandrel balls attached to the second end of the mandrel rod, and a gripping device for gripping the inner surface of the tubular work piece during advancement of the tube towards the die assembly. The first end of the mandrel rod is attached to the actuator. The gripping device is coupled to the actuator system and formed to include a mandrel rod-receiving aperture. The mandrel rod is positioned to lie in the mandrel rod-receiving aperture.

Abstract: A quick change tooling method and apparatus has been devised for tube bending operations in which the bend die, clamp die and pressure die as well as mandrel and wiper die, if required, are preassembled along with a tube corresponding to the tube to be bent in that particular die assembly by releasable latches or other types of releasable connectors; and each preassembled die set as described can be removed, transported and relocated on a bending machine as a complete assembly and in exact aligned operating position without readjustment and pressure setting each time that the die set is installed. A lift mechanism is provided to facilitate lifting of each die set onto and from the bending machine as well as to automatically locate each die set in proper aligned position on the machine.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an apparatus for bending a hollow double-structured pipe for use in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, for example, and aims at providing such hollow double-structured pipe which is capable of effecting favorable bending work, even in the case of using an inner pipe of a thin wall thickness.

Abstract: A pipe is bent by advancing the pipe through a guide and into a ring disposed just upstream of said guide in the direction of pipe movement. The ring with the leading end of the pipe therein is moved by a controller along a predetermined curve along which the pipe is to be bent.

Abstract: There is provided a device and manner for bulge forming and bending a tube or hollow extrusion, such as a pipe or conduit. The one portion of the length of the tube is bulge-formed to define a radially expanded, contoured section of the tube, while another portion of the tube length is bent to define an angle or curve in the tube. The device employs a radially expandable mandrel which serves both as the expandable member for bulge-forming the tube, as well as a bending mandrel to stabilize the tube against wrinkling or collapse during bending.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine with a bending assembly (1) and a support arm (2), pivotedly supported swingingly relative to the bending assembly through a pivot (6) that is slidably supported along a stem (7) on the axis passing through the center of rotation of the matrix and the center of swinging of the countermatrix assembly (the "zero"), so as to automatically position and axis of the pipe on the zero.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for bending a hollow double structured pipe, which is simple in construction, and is capable of putting into practice easily the continuous, two- or three-dimensional bending work.

Abstract: A tube bending machine is provided which includes a rotatable bend die about which the tube is bent, a mandrel insertable into the tube adjacent the bend, and a mandrel rod fixed to a rear end of the mandrel. A mandrel extractor system is also included which linearly advances and retracts the mandrel. The mandrel extractor system includes a linear actuator connected to the mandrel rod and an electro-hydraulic control system which automatically drives the linear actuator at variable pressures. The linear actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder with a piston connected to the mandrel rod.

Abstract: An internal mandrel assembly is provided that includes a cleaning attachment for cleaning the interior surface of a tube during a bending operation. The internal mandrel assembly includes a mandrel shank, a plurality of mandrel ball assemblies pivotally coupled to the mandrel shank in a linked configuration, a cleaning attachment pivotally coupled to the last mandrel ball assembly, and a locating rod that positions the mandrel shank within the tube. The internal mandrel assembly also cooperates with a lubricant pump and a lubricant collector. The cleaning attachment includes a wiper for cleaning the interior surface of the tube, a linking member, a first support washer, a second support washer, and a retaining shoulder.

Abstract: A device for converting a straight pipe having an annular cross-section defined between an inner diameter and an outer diameter into a bent pipe having a non-annular cross-section, and method for making the same are disclosed. The device includes a round, bar-shaped guide member having a first end portion and a second end portion which is spaced therefrom in the axial direction and for being mounted slidably with the straight pipe. A floating member is formed into a prismoid and connected to the second end of the round, bar-shaped guide member in a ball-and-socket joint. The prismoid includes a first end in the form of a small polygon whose maximum radial length is less than the inner diameter of the straight pipe, and a second end in the form of a large polygon similar to the small polygon in shape and spaced from the first end in the axial direction.