Abstract: A method and an apparatus for bending manufacturing of a long workpiece capable of manufacturing different sections of the workpiece in different bending radiuss, while preventing a buckling deformation in manufacturing small bending radius sections and a lowering of a productivity. A speed of sending out the workpiece is controlled to be lower for sections requiring larger bending per unit length, so as to prevent the buckling deformation, and to be higher for sections requiring smaller bending per unit length, so as to prevent the lowering of the productivity.

Abstract: A telescoping die for use in place of a conventional fixed die in a multi-axis tube bender. The telescoping die provides a means of automatically varying the distance to the moveable die thereby increasing the range of possible bend radii that can be formed while maintaining a close positioning between the feed mechanism and the telescoping die.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled apparatus and method for processing sheet material into building panels for assembly into buildings. The sheet material is formed into a panel having a flat bottom and sides while the length of the formed panel is monitored to control operation of the forming device. The panel is then fed into a curve-forming device which crimps at least a portion of the panel so that it is arched or curved. The curvature of the output panel is monitored to control the location of adjustable crimper rollers disposed in the curve-forming device to provide the portion of the panel with an accurate preselected curvature. The length of the curved portion of the panel is monitored when producing panels having both straight and curved portions, and the crimper rollers automatically reset to form portions with a different radius of curvature.

Abstract: A machine for coiling a sheet metal strip having a pair of lateral flanges joined by a channel shaped rib with oppositely opening lateral grooves where the rib is on the outside of the coil, includes a pair of cooperating fluting rolls between which the strip is fed to flute the flanges, one roll being circumferentially grooved to receive the rib of the strip, and a wedge shaped coiling shoe is positioned to receive the strip from the rolls. The shoe has three strip coiling ramps, two of which bear against the flanges and embrace the rib, and the third bears against the top of the rib. These ramps are positioned to deflect the strip into a coiled configuration. A pair of ears on the coiling shoe enters the oppositely opening lateral grooves and cooperatively with the fluting of the flanges prevents collapse or distortion of the grooves.

Abstract: A mobile metal building forming machine forms panels of predetermined length from a coil of flat metal and then the formed panels are continuously crimped on their side edges for strength and are selectively curved by crimping the bottom of the panel. The crimping and curvature are automatically controlled so that building panels with vertical walls and an arched roof may be formed. A moveable crimping roll is automatically portioned to control the curvature and the roll is chain driven so that it may be moved without affecting its rotational drive.

Abstract: In order to curve a hollow profile strip (53), especially a hollow profile strip (53) from which a spacer frame for an insulating glass pane is to be produced, the hollow profile strip (53) is conducted continuously for an exactly defined length, held laterally and from the bottom, underneath a roller (70) and, subsequently to the roller (70), is deflected out of the conveying direction. An apparatus suitable for this purpose comprises a gripper (52) for the defined feeding of the hollow profile strip (53), a roller (70) in contact with the wall of the hollow profile strip (53), which is then located on the inside of the curvature, and holding down the hollow profile strip (53), and a lever (59) with a stop surface (62) for the hollow profile strip (53) subsequently to the roller (70).

Abstract: A method for bending materials in a continuous manner with a bending machine having a fixed supply head and a movable bending head includes feeding material continuously along a material feeding direction through channels of the supply head and bending head, sliding the bending head in a cross plane perpendicular to the material feeding direction to adjust the bending head channel, and driving and swinging the bending head around a swinging axis that lies perpendicular to the material feeding direction to adjust the bending head channel. The feed amount of the material and a sliding amount and swinging amount of the bending head are detected and controlled. The bending head channel is thus adjusted and the material being continuously fed therethrough is bent. A method for bending hollow elongate material with a bending machine also includes feeding a mandrel along the feeding direction into a hollow in the elongate material.

Abstract: A bumper bar for vehicles formed from rolled sheet steel having a closed tubular profile designed to have a high impact resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and a low cost of manufacture. The bar is preferably swept along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive design.

Abstract: A bumper bar for vehicles formed from rolled sheet steel having a closed tubular profile designed to have a high impact resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and a low cost of manufacture. The bar is preferably swept along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of forming on a fastener body by relative rotary and axial movement of a thread forming tool and the body, a thread having a pitch which changes progressively through a plurality of turns, and an apparatus for progressively deforming an elongated element having a predetermined initial cross section to the form of a coil defining an internal thread and having a progressively changing cross section giving the thread a progressively changing pitch.

Abstract: A system of forming a curve in a substantially planar portion of a fender blank consists of a plurality of components and steps. First and second substantially parallel rollers are provided having selected diameters with a gap therebetween adapted to receive the substantially planar portion of the fender blank. A forming shoe is provided at a forming region on one side of the first and second substantially parallel rollers. A substantially planar portion of the fender blank is inserted in the gap. At least one of the first and second substantially parallel rollers is advanced to rotate a selected length of the substantially planar portion of the fender blank through the gap to the forming region. At least one of the first and second substantially parallel rollers is rotated to retract a selected length of the fender blank from the forming region through the gap at a selected rate, while simultaneously the forming shoe is moved through a selected angle at a selected rate to bear upon the fender blank.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for deforming sheet metal plates and more particularly aluminium and steel plates. The objectives of this disclosure are realized by laminating a plate of sheet metal in juxtaposed and parallel strips. This method allows for the formation of spherical surfaces having a variable curvature. These strips are oriented according to predetermined axes according to the expected result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preforming a substantially flat blank of an open clamp adapted to be mechanically interconnected near the free ends thereof into a circular clamp having a configuration at least approximately the configuration of the clamp when installed about an object to be fastened onto a relatively fixed, generally circular part; as the flat blank is being fed through the machine, it is performed into a generally circular shape with the free ends thereof axially spaced from one another; the pair of rollers feeding the blank may also be so shaped in their external contours that the lateral edges of the blank are bent out in the generally radial direction; additionally the blank is automatically stopped after an initial short feed through the machine to permit stamping of a predetermined part of the flat blank; the entire operation which is preferably pneumatically controlled is thereby automatically cyclically operated as soon as a flat blank is inserted into the machine a predetermined distance.

Abstract: In a method for making thin-walled metal pipes, application of a pre-deformation to a metal sheet by plastic bending longitudinally perpendicular thereto, and forming the metal sheet into a pipelike shape by use of the widthwise curvature resulting from residual stress of the metal sheet receiving such plastic bending, when its lengthwise curvature is reduced to zero, the metal sheet being joined together at its junction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a method for forming plates into shapes having a double-curved surface, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. For forming a double-curved plate, a work is three-dimensionally formed by passing same through an entrance roll, flexible rolls and exit rolls which are in vertically adjusted positions relative to each other. The flexible rolls are constituted by a pair of flexible and contractibly extensible upper and lower rolls which are supported in flexed state by a plural number of bearings to define therebetween a desired bending shape. As the work is gripped between and fed through the two flexible rolls, it is imparted with a deformation across its width. Therefore, the bending form of the work can be preset by controlling the vertical positions of the bearings which support the flexible rolls, making it possible to form a double-curved plate by a simple control involving a reduced number of control points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preforming a substantially flat blank of an open clamp adapted to be mechanically interconnected near the free ends thereof into a circular clamp having a configuration at least approximately the configuration of the clamp when installed about an object to be fastened onto a relatively fixed, generally circular part; as the flat blank is being fed through the machine, it is preformed into a generally circular shape with the free ends thereof axially spaced from one another; the pair of rollers feeding the blank may also be so shaped in their external contours that the lateral edges of the blank are bent out in the generally radial direction; additionally the blank is automatically stopped after an initial short feed through the machine to permit stamping of a predetermined part of the flat blank; the entire operation which is preferably pneumatically controlled is thereby automatically cyclically operated as soon as a flat blank is inserted into the machine a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional bending apparatus is disclosed, wherein the entire length of the product is divided into a plurality of imaginary segments which are identified by detecting the continuously supplied length of an elongate material. The material is bent multi-directionally by a bending device including horizontal and vertical bending mechanisms and an axial twisting mechanism, which are individually actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material. Multi-dimensionally bent, continuously supplied material is cut into the length of the product by means of a cutting device also actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material, the cutting device including fixed and movable blade members which, during the cutting operation, are movable also in the direction in which the material is supplied.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional bending method and apparatus are disclosed, wherein the entire length of the product is divided into a plurality of imaginary segments which are identified by detecting the continuously supplied length of an elongate material. This material is bent multi-dimensionally by a bending device including horizontal and vertical bending mechanisms and an axial twisting mechanism having the respective actuators arranged remote from the movable elements of the mechanisms, and individually actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material. Multi-dimensionally bent, continuously supplied material is cut into the length of the product by means of a cutting device also actuated in response to the detected supplied length of the material, and includes fixed and movable blade members which, during the cutting operation, and movable also in the direction in which the material is supplied.

Abstract: In a process of bending sheet metal elements having a sectional shape which is continuous in one direction, longitudinal beads are formed or existing beads are enlarged in the sheet element as it is bent at least in the region in which the bending results in an upsetting of material, i.e., in the region in which the sheet metal element is subjected to compressive stress.

Abstract: A method of production of a part formed with an opening wherein a metal strip material is subjected to rolling at its outer peripheral portion to have its thickness slightly reduced and shape the metal strip material into a ring-shaped blank, and at least one of inner and outer peripheral portions of the ring-shaped blank is drawn by a press to form at least one flange. The metal strip is supported in coil form on an uncoiler and payed out therefrom and subjected to a straightening before being subjected to rolling. When the metal strip material is rolled, its inner side is wrinkled. The ring-shaped blank is cut and a projection is formed at one end portion and superposed on the other end portion to be joined by electric spot welding to provide a completed ring-shaped blank. When the blank is drawn to form the flanges, by virtue of the wrinkles and thinned outer peripheral portion, the thickness of the part becomes substantially uniform.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming with a minimum of labor, by explosive forming means, an automatically extendible auxiliary nozzle member or exit cone for a rocket motor, the member having tapered sinusoidal flutes with the stresses and thicknesses thereof being uniform whereby, when deployed, the resulting form of cone can be predicted with accuracy, and stresses being created such as to build a spring bias therein so that the member is bistable, that is, stable in both the stowed position and in the deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is disclosed for introducing a curvature or sweep into a preferably previously-formed elongated article. The elongated article is substantially constrained, both laterally and transversely, as it moves longitudinally through the sweep-forming apparatus and is permanently deformed in a transverse direction in order to introduce the sweep or curvature therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a metal pipe. At present, accurately measured, thick-walled pipes to be used as rolls must be manufactured in a plurality of working steps. The manufacture of pipes of accurate diameters is complicated e.g. due to inner stresses in pipe blanks which results in deformations in internal or external machining of pipes. An object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a circular chuted axially extending mixer from an originally circular scalloped, radially extending ring blank. The method utilizes a common mechanical press with male and female die portions. The female portion is pressed down over the blank against the male portion to form a convolution in the blank, with progressively increasing height. Successive convolutions are formed which tends to gather together the radially outer portion of the blank thereby straightening its originally circular shape. Repeating this process forms a relatively straight band having convolutions forming chutes therebetween. Individual chuted bands can be joined together to form a single circular chuted axially extending mixer.

Abstract: An electric machine, such as an induction motor, having a rotor and stator core formed of metal strip coiled about a centrally longitudinal axis extending generally normal to the plane of the strip, and wherein the strip is provided with depressions on longitudinally spaced locations along the length of the strip so as to enable coiling of the strip about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatus capable of bending laces in a continuous manner. A lace material is supplied from a material feed device and allowed to pass through a fixed guide roller element for locating the material and a movable guide roller element for bending the material. The guide roller element for bending the material can move in directions perpendicular to the direction of supply of the material in relation to the fixed guide roller element for locating the material. When passing through these guide roller elements, the material can be bent in accordance with the speed of supply or feed of the material and the moving amount of the movable guide roller element so that desired radii of curvature are given to the material.

Abstract: In producing a semicircular washer having a projection to prevent rotation formed thereon, a blank material in the form of a flat bar is forced to pass a roll caliber between upper and lower forming rolls arranged in a pair and bent on and along one of the forming rolls while being pressed in the breadthwise direction to become a semicircular washer. The semicircular washer then has its outer marginal portion punched out by means of a punch and a die to form thereon a projection for preventing rotation. The method ensures an increase in the yield of semicircular washers having a projection for preventing rotation and enables the projection to be formed in any position on the washer as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of rolling tire rim blanks from flat metal strips obtained by unwinding strip material from a coil which is cut into strips of desired lengths which are then rolled into a circular shape by anvil rolls cooperating with bodily moveable bending rolls producing a controlled flat portion on the leading end of the strip prior to rolling and another controlled flat portion on the trailing end of the strip following the rolling.

Abstract: A steel flanged wheel rim includes a pair of hollow ears extending radially and outwardly at the side edges of the rim, a semi-circular recess between the ears and a flange extending radially and inwardly from the center of the recess. The steel flanged wheel rim is produced by plastically processing through a series of shaping rolls in different processing stages and then bending the band into a ring shape to thereby continuously produce steel flanged wheel rims.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides processes and apparatus for bending and straightening, or otherwise installing marine pipelines at underwater installations, and includes systems in which marine pipelines are installed at water depths to 250 feet or more, utilizing an underwater chamber which may be operated with its interior wet, dry or combinations thereof. In one form, the system provides for interconnecting wellheads or other stations with manifolds or other stations and comprises running marine pipeline generally vertically downwardly from the water surface into the work chamber, mounted in operative association with an underwater wellhead or station, wherein the pipe is bent in the desired radius and through the desired angle and then straightened to exit from the chamber and wellhead in a substantially horizontal attitude such that it may then be pulled to a manifold or other underwater station with, for example, a wire line.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endless metallic belt of high strength for use as a drive belt or a part of a drive belt. A stress gradient is introduced in the belt in the radial direction thereof by bending the belt at such a radius as to produce plastic deformation of the metal. The belt is first subjected to tensile stress, which stress is maintained during the bending process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a tube by pushing it through a die to form high quality tubular fittings.

Abstract: A method of producing thrust washers in which a blank material in the form of a flat bar is forced to pass between an upper and a lower forming rolls arranged as a pair. The blank material is pressed onto one of the forming rolls to be bent in the breadthwise direction to become a thrust washer. The upper and the lower rolls cooperate with each other in defining therebetween a groove having a configuration corresponding to the cross section of the article to be obtained, through which the blank is made to pass. This method ensures an economical production of ring-shaped or arcuately shaped articles having accurate dimensions.

Abstract: A pinch and forming roll assembly for a numerically controlled contour forming machine wherein a piece of material (part) having a preformed cross-sectional configuration is moved through pinch rolls located in between right and left hand forming rolls is disclosed. Each forming roll is position adjustable both laterally and separationwise with respect to the pinch roll along two longitudinal axes. In addition, each forming roll is position adjustable along two rotational axes. Adjustment is provided by rotatably mounting each forming roll in a position adjustable yoke. The yokes are adapted to swivel about an axis running orthogonally through the centerline defined by the rotational axis of the relative forming roll. In addition, each yoke has a semi-spherical outer surface that is position adjustable. Further, each yoke is supported by a mechanism that allows it to be position adjusted along two orthogonal longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A method of forming circular rims for bicycle wheels from metal profiled strip material in which first strip pieces are cut to a length corresponding to the circumferential length of the rims, curved end portions are formed on each strip piece, and each strip piece is introduced into a three-roll ring rolling apparatus. After the strip piece has been worked up to the trailing curved end portion thereof, the adjustable middle roll of the rolling apparatus is shifted a small distance towards the two outer rolls into a position corresponding with a substantially bending-free passage of the trailing curved end portion of the strip piece. The invention further relates to a pressing apparatus for forming the curved end portions of the strip pieces and to a three-roll ring rolling apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with apparatus for manufacturing spirally wound gaskets. The apparatus includes a pair of co-planar radially movable forming discs and independently mounted and axially adjustable guide members. The apparatus may be used either for winding gasket forming material tightly around one forming disc, or adapted for centerless winding where gasket forming material is wound in a loop around one forming disc. Where thin, wide-flanged gaskets are to be wound, the forming disc which abuts the outer periphery of the gasket is shaped so as not substantially to curve gasket forming material in the direction away from the gasket periphery and thus produce stress in the gasket. Where the apparatus is designed for centerless winding, a template adapted to be disposed between the forming discs to move in conjunction with gasket forming material may be provided, particularly for forming non-circular gaskets.

Abstract: An apparatus for helically winding a strip of sheet metal into a large diameter pipe and connecting the edges of the strip by preforming and rabbeting. The edge bending for the rabbet is done in a preforming station and a rabbeting station in which the bends are sequentially and increasingly formed with multiple units at each station. Adjacent units are hinged and devices for adjusting the angular relationship between adjacent units are provided, including spacers and adjustable threaded devices. Gears permit driving multiple units at various adjustment angles.