Abstract: A glass sheet quench unit (22) and method for quenching formed glass sheets by quench gas jets (40) that define a uniformly repeating gas jet impingement pattern (44) that is an equilateral triangular pattern providing uniformly repeating quench cells (46) distributed over the formed glass sheet to be quenched as equilateral hexagonal quench cells. The resultant product is a formed and quenched glass sheet (G) that has oppositely facing surfaces between which glass stresses are uniformly distributed. A method for making the quench unit (22) is performed by initially forming nozzle openings (38) in an elongated nozzle strip (36′), thereafter forming the nozzle strip with a curved cross section, thereafter forming the nozzle strip with a curved shape along its elongated length to provide a curved nozzle cap, subsequently securing the curved nozzle cap to planar sides (30) of an associated nozzle feed row (28), and securing the sides (30) of the nozzle feed row to a plenum housing (24).

Abstract: A method of making Circular and Oval Flanged Rings, for the connection of thin walled circular and oval ducting, including Circular and Oval Flanged Rings having a Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) standard T24 Profile. Thin gauge Lock Form Quality steel, from 10 to 20 gauge, is cut into strips with the strip ends butt welded forming Flanged Ring Band Stock which is inserted and clamped into a Spinning Die. The Spinning Die is rotated by a horizontally configured lathe output shaft presenting the extended portion of the Flanged Ring Band Stock for machine tool forming. Standard machine tools are used to form the Flanged Ring Band Stock into a Circular Flanged Ring including the SMACNA T24 Flanged Ring Profile. A Circular Flanged Ring is cut along a diameter into Semi-circular Flanged Ring Portions; straight segments including segments with SMACNA T24 Linear Segments are roll formed, assembled into a oval shape within a fixture and welded forming the Oval Flanged Ring.

Abstract: This invention relates to sheet metal buildings of relatively large size and more particularly but not exclusively to processes and apparatus for cold-forming elongate building elements of such buildings and methods of building construction. The invention provides in one aspect cold-forming dies 30, mounted on intermediate transverse members 21 of a frame 1, comprising a set of coextensive generally in register dies between which the strip is received. The set comprises a male die 22 having a concave leading edge 24 and a female die 23 having a convex leading edge 18. The male die 22 and female die 23 are driven towards one another to plastically deform the strip 6 into a channel section. The concave leading edge 24 is provided with a coextensive protrusion 26 and the convex leading edge is provided with a coextensive recess 27.

Abstract: A tool for reshaping corner bead, which is perforated right angle metal strip used in fabrication of corners in drywall building construction, spreads the legs of 90 degree angle corner bead outwardly to increase the included angle thereof. The bead is rolled between a pressure roller and a multiplicity of idler rollers. The apex of the bead runs in a circumferential groove of the vertically adjustable pressure roller which presses downwardly as the legs ride upon idler rollers which resist the downward force while allowing sideward motion of the legs. Preferably, the rollers are comprised of mated pairs of hemispheres and the bead is made to pass through the tool by driving the pressure roller with a screw gun. The frame of the tool has a detachable tang which enables the tool to be mounted from the side wall pocket of a common pickup truck box.

Abstract: A folded tube for a motor vehicle heat exchanger, is made from a metal strip folded on itself so as to form two parallel channels separated by a spacer. The spacer results from the joining of two borders of the strip each being folded at right angles towards the inside of the tube from an outer face. Each of the borders is folded at right angles with respect to the outer face, forming a folded outer edge, and includes a protruding swelling which extends at least on the same side as the outer face of the strip. The invention makes it possible to produce a tube having flat large faces, the continuity of which is assured in the regions close to the spacer and which contributes to better holding of corrugated spacers in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pipe member rolled up as a coil and roll-formed, the pipe member made of material having a spring-back characteristics and having a specific residual stress distribution existing along a direction perpendicular to the rolling-up direction of said pipe member, the specific residual stress distribution being formed by being wounded around a longitudinal direction thereof by roll-forming, and when the member is unfurled out, two longitudinal edge portions of the member being overlapped to each other thus forming a pipe shape.

Abstract: A transition forming unit for a tube mill is provided for forming a strip into a generally annular shaped cross-sectional configuration. The forming process is performed by a plurality of roll assemblies mounted on at least a pair of spaced longitudinally extending beams, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. The beams are mounted to rotate about their longitudinal axis and are horizontally and vertically adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for automatically adjusting rollforming equipment to accommodate a range of different gauges of material such as sheet metal being formed. One rollforming roller (34) on each rollforming head (4A) is mounted on an eccentric so that a force supplied in the direction of material feed through the tooling rollers (33,34) will increase the tooling gap therebetween. An automatic gauge adjustor includes applying a source of substantially constant pressure sufficient to achieve the rollforming action against rotation about the eccentric while allowing movement of the rollforming roller also about the eccentric so that the roll will move against the pressure being provided in the direction of the material feed to accommodate the gauge of material within the working range set.

Abstract: A roll former line for forming different shapes including a first roll stand attached to a bed which provides vertical adjustable movement. The roll stand includes three spindles in vertical alignment with each other, the forming rolls on the top and bottom spindles working against opposite sides of the middle forming roll, so as to provide reverse shapes between the top and middle forming roll and the middle and bottom forming roll. Linear actuators are connected to the bed of the first roll stand for moving the first roll stand vertically on the bed. Opposite the first roll stand on the line is a second roll stand attached to a second bed including two spindles in vertical alignment and corresponding forming rolls thereon. The first roll stand can be raised or lowered by the linear actuators so as to use reverse forming rolls on the first roll stand in conjunction with the forming rolls on the second roll stand to form a reverse shape on one edge of the sheet being formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a welded pipe. The apparatus includes a cage or cluster roller molding system. In either case, a rotary axis of each roller is slanted counterclockwise or clockwise with respect to a manufacturing line direction of the apparatus. The adjustable positioning of the rotary axis reduces vertical slip caused when the strip of material passes along the contact surface of the roller.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pair of rotatable devices each holding a plurality of metal shaping and/or cutting rollers, the rollers of one device meshing with rollers of the other device to produce specific designs or widths of material. This is made possible by merely selecting suitable rollers of both sets and when production of a specific metallic section of desired widths are terminated, other rollers are selected by rotating the rotatable devices. When suitable rollers have been selected they are locked in operating position and when another design or widths are required, the devices are unlocked, a selection is made, and the devices are again locked to produce the new metallic section or widths of material. The present quick automated tool changer, i.e.

Abstract: An automated system for exchanging components of a continuous seam-welded tube mill to change from production of one tubular product to another. The components to be changed are mounted upon subbase units adapted to be removably affixed to a fixed mill base. Alternate sets of changeable mill units mounted on duplicate subbase sections are provided for off line tooling change and setup. Changeover modules are automatically conveyed from a tooling storage area to the mill base for automatic changeover. Push-pull units are incorporated in the changeover modules to shift the subbase sections from the mill base to the changeover module and the previously retooled duplicate subbase sections from the changeover modules into operative position on the mill bases.

Abstract: A portable angle bender for strip metal. The bender has a shallow U-shaped base having a bending fixture mounted to two upstanding side walls. The bending fixture has two guide members joined at a hinge and pivotally attached to the base on their other ends. One guide member pivots about a fixed axis, while the other may slide relative the base to alter the included angle of the fixture. Each guide member has a slider plate mounted thereunder to form a gap with a top plate to which the central hinge is attached. The gaps are open toward the hinge so as to enable endwise insertion of an angled strip of metal into the fixture. The slider members are constructed of a non-stick material, and the gap is dimensioned to facilitate advancement of the strip through the fixture. A quick-release locking nut is utilized for adjustments to the bending angle, and an indicator is mounted to one of the guide members for registration with a series of angle markings inscribed on the base.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus employing stepped overlap apertures disposed in adjacent overlap rings. The rings are arranged so that the diameters of the stepped apertures are sequentially decreasing. The apertures form a generally flat advancing metal tape into a cylindrical tube having overlapped edges. Typically, the cylindrical tube is used as a metal guard about a cable core. Each aperture is generally circular but one quadrant of the circle contains a step whereby the diameter of the aperture increases. The final tubular configuration of generally circular cross-section of the metal tape about the cable core is developed in the final smaller diameter overlap rings which bring together the two overlapped metal edges of the metal tape. Then, the metal tape passes to finishing rings which press the two engaged overlapped edges so that these edges now stay together as a longitudinal overlapped seam.

Abstract: Twin metal billets are fed to dual circumferential grooves formed in a rotating wheel. The billets are advanced first to a wedge-shaped gap which deforms the billets and are then advanced to a die. The die has a die opening with a circumferentially discontinuous, annular cross-section. The metal from each billet merges in the die opening and exits therefrom in the form of a slit tube. The tube is then opened and flattened to form a flat strip by advancing the slit tube over a forming member having a progressively increasing width. As the tube is advanced over the forming member, an alignment system maintaining the tube in a centered position. The alignment system includes a light source disposed within the tube and two arrays of photo-transistors arranged to receive light from the light source, the amount of light sensed by each array being a function of the position of the slit in the tube relative to a desired position.

Abstract: For closing Pittsburgh-type rectilinear seams, as in conventional sheet metal heating and air conditioning ducts. The present machine, with only a single seaming roll, closes seams through 45.degree. to 90.degree. on an advancing stroke, and burnishes them on the return stroke. The machine functions without adjustment throughout substantially the entire range of sheet metal thicknesses normally utilized. Of particular advantage in manufacturing duct sections having integral end flanges, only an initial short length of seam need be peened manually before the duct elements to be seemed are clamped in place for completion. Workplace noise is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The bridle or bridles of a stretching or levelling line for a thin metal strip, e.g. of a thickness of up to 1 mm, can have at least one roll of a periphery variable between an outwardly convex and an inwardly concave bulge to compensate for dishing of the strip or edge waviness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drywall corner bead spreading tool. It is a portable handheld device for quickly and easily increasing the included angle between the corner bead wings from 90.degree. to 135.degree. safely without bending or kinking. Corner bead splicing can now be eliminated in construction situations requiring the larger included angle and 10 feet ceiling height lengths. The device taught by this invention is simple to use and can be made nearly indestructible using 14 gauge steel.

Abstract: A rolling mill comprising a plurality of roll passes for progressively forming a workpiece to a desired final cross-sectional shape wherein each roll pass comprises a pair of rotatable mountings, the mountings being disposed on opposite sides of a pass line of the mill, each rotatable mounting carrying at least two rolling means of different configuration to form the workpiece to a different final shape and rotation of the mountings permitting a selected rolling means of each mounting to be disposed, at a rolling position, on opposite sides of said pass line to engage and form the workpiece and wherein the mill has a drive means to rotate at least one rolling means of at least one of said roll passes when disposed in said rolling position.

Abstract: A radial saw assembly (10) includes a base (14) and a column (22) extending vertically upward from the base. A saw arm (24) is attachable to the column and extends horizontally outwardly therefrom. The arm is vertically movable relative to the column and supports a cutting assembly (26) for cutting a workpiece. The cutting assembly is horizontally movable relative to the saw arm. The saw arm is made by a roll forming process with a minimal number of secondary operations being performed to provide openings (44a-44d, 58, 70a-70c, 74, 92, 94 100) for installing the arm on the column and other components to the arm.

Abstract: A structural member having a complex shape, such as a return flange z-shape, is manufactured by confining a longitudinally-extending mid-portion of a metal strip between a pair of forming mandrels and running the mandrels and the strip as a unitary workpiece from pass-to-pass of a roll forming machine progressively to form the sheet metal about surfaces of both mandrels. The metal strip and the formed part may have a uniform thickness or may have varying thicknesses. The cross-sectional distribution of the metal mass along the length of the structural member may be modified from the original strip. The structural member may have one or more joggles using a mandrel or mandrels having a complementary recess for each joggle to be formed. In such case, one or more of the passes includes a forming roll assembly that is strongly biased, and or resiliently self-biased, toward each recessed portion of the mandrel to force the sheet metal into each such recess to complete the formation of a joggle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for making three-dimensional metal parts with complex shapes such as skis, automotive trim, and other like elongated parts. The method includes uncoiling an cutting off segments of coiled stock to form a part blank, and mounting the part blank on an elongated jig with opposite sides of the part blank extending outwardly from the jig. The method further includes the steps of slitting the part blank to a predetermined symmetrical but non-uniform width by passing the jig past slitting heads, and roll-forming the slit blank in a similar manner. In the preferred embodiment, the method also includes controlling the vertical rotation of the slitting heads and the roll-forming heads. The apparatus includes a machine for making three-dimensional articles having complex non-uniform lateral cross-sectional shapes along the length thereof. The machine includes slitting heads and/or roll-forming heads adapted to laterally converge and diverge and also rotate about vertical axes.

Abstract: A rolling mill comprising a plurality of roll passes for progressively forming a workpiece to a desired final cross-sectional shape wherein each roll pass comprises a pair of rotatable mountings, the mountings being disposed on opposite sides of a pass line of the mill, each rotatable mounting carrying at least two rolling means of different configuration to form the workpiece to a difference final shape and rotation of the mounting permitting a selected rolling means of each mounting to be disposed, at a rolling position, on opposite sides of said pass line to engage and form the workpiece and wherein the mill has a drive means to rotate at least one rolling means of at least one of said roll passes when disposed in said rolling position.

Abstract: A barbed tape with a longitudinally extending strengthening groove is formed by pushing a strip of barbed tape to and through forming rolls which cooperate with the tape and a wire mandrel. The wire mandrel includes a continuous loop of wire rope which is guided to and through the forming rolls with the strip of barbed tape to form the longitudinal strengthening groove in the tape. The wire mandrel remains in cooperation with the tape as the grooved tape and wire mandrel move through a radial bender which bends the tape into a helical coil. The tape is provided in reel form and is fed to a blanking press to have barbs formed thereon prior to being fed to the roll former. A take up device receives the coiled tape as it exits the radial bender.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pair of rotatable devices (9,11) each holding a plurality of metal shaping and/or cutting rollers (17,19;127), the rollers of one device meshing with rollers of the other device to produce specific designs or widths of material. This is made possible by merely selecting suitable rollers of both sets and when production of a specific metallic section or desired widths are terminated, other rollers are selected by rotating the rotatable devices, if another metallic section or widths are desired. When suitable rollers (17,19:127) have been selected they are locked in operating position and the operation is allowed to proceed by feeding metal strip to the machine. When another design or widths are required, the devices are unlocked, a selection is made, and the devices are again locked to produce the new metallic section or widths of material.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus for forming sheet material into compound curves by drawing, in which critical positioning, dimensioning and relative curvatures of forming bead stages are provided for such curvatures as sectors of paraboloidal antenna reflectors and other compound curve sheets.

Abstract: A substrate for a catalytic converter is formed of steel sheets embossed with corrugations in a chevron pattern such that the metal buckles at vertices of adjoining corrugations to form projections extending out of the plane of the sheet. The sheets are stacked with the projections registered to form weld points and capacitive discharge welding secures the sheets together. The substrate is formed in two halves which are clamped together and then secured by end rings.

Abstract: A forming apparatus for shaping a long plate member (31), converts on initial cross-section into a final sectional configuration, e.g., into a U-shaped final sectional configuraiton. The forming apparatus has an upper die (32) and a lower die (33) defining a forming part with pressing surfaces which are movable toward each other for a pressing operation. The long plate member is appropriately fed into the forming part. A drive mechanism reciprocates the upper die (32). The forming part defined by the upper die (32) and by the lower die (33) includes an initial forming region which is located on an inlet for the long plate member. The initial forming region has a forming configuration corresponding to a flat sectional configuration. A final forming region located at an outlet for the long plate member has a forming configuration corresponding to a U-shaped sectional configuration.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pair of rotatable devices each holding a plurality of metal shaping rollers, the rollers of one device meshing with rollers of the other device to produce specific designs. This is made possible by merely selecting suitable rollers of both sets and when production of a specific metallic section is terminated, other rollers are selected by rotating the rotatable devices. When suitable rollers have been selected they are locked in operating position and when another design is required, the devices are unlocked, a selection is made, and the devices are again locked to produce the new metallic section.

Abstract: A rolling mill machine is for longitudinal bending of plate to provide a cross-sectional profile. The machine includes elements for advancing the plate in a longitudinal direction through a plurality of longitudinally spaced shaping stations. Each of the shaping stations extends in a generally transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction and includes an upper row of forming rolls and a lower row of forming rolls which are disposed in spaced relationship along the transverse direction for respectively bending the plate advancing therebetween to form the profile. Some of the shaping stations include centrally located forming rolls being longitudinally displaced forwardly of the other of forming rolls in the upper and lower rows for initially bending the plate by these centrally located forming rolls. Additonally, the forming rolls respectively combine with corresponding other forming rolls to form generally converging longitudinal rows of the forming rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing panel roofing includes a platform mounted on an elevating mechanism. A panel producing machine is mounted on a support stand which in turn rides on tracks along a length dimension of the platform. A decoiler for decoiling metal sheet stock fed into the machine also rides on tracks along the platform length. The machine is oriented to produce panels in a direction perpendicular to the platform length dimension. With the platform elevated to roof edge and its length dimension parallel to that edge, the panel producing machine and decoiler are moved along the platform following extrusion of each successive roofing panel. In a preferred embodiment, the machine can be pitched to match a pitch of the roof to facilitate panel production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drywall corner bead spreader device. The device comprises a stationary support portion and a movable pressure applying portion. When a length of drywall corner bead is placed on the stationary support portion with its flanges facing upwardly adjustment of the movable pressure applying portion into contact with the flanges will force the flanges to assume an included angle greater than its normal ninety degree orientation. The movable pressure applying portion includes a freely rotating spreader ball which will rotate as the corner bead is pulled from beneath the spreader ball resulting in reduced friction and providing a uniform included angle to the flanges in excess of ninety degrees.

Abstract: A roller machine for profile cold bending includes a bearing framework with mounted supports, carrying power driven shape forming calibers.

Abstract: A roll former comprises a bed and at least one roll forming member mounted on the bed, each roll forming member comprising a stand, a support member pivotally mounted on the stand for rotation relative to the stand about a selected axis, a pair of shaping elements mounted on the support member shaped to modify the shape of a member such as a purlin passed in use therebetween, and locating means to locate the support member in a selected one of a plurality of available positions relative to the stand.

Abstract: A roll forming machine for the production of metal siding for installation on a building. A metal strip is progressively shaped by upper and lower roll sets spaced along the roll machine to shape the strip edges. An auxiliary roll set assembly is detachably mounted on the roll forming machine frame and includes upper and lower roll sets which shape a central portion of the metal strip. Side plate members of the auxiliary roll set assembly rest on the roll machine frame members with frame cross members assuring alignment of the interchangeable assembly. Fasteners removably couple the assembly to the roll forming machine frame.

Abstract: To promote the forming performance of band material into pipes and to decrease the number of forming stages and changes of the forming rolls in the pipe mill, considering that it is superior when forming the band material into pipes of required diameters if the sectional shape of the band material is provided with a curved surface which changes its curvature continuously into the required diameter, we provide a curved roll surface of numerous curvatures changing continuously. In a continuous roll forming in accordance with the present invention, a forming roll having an approximate involute curve based upon a polygon comprising a plurality of sides is used. By using the conventional rolls in various combinations therewith in each stage of forming as a horizontal roll, side roll and upper intermediate roll or a cage roll, the number of stages of the forming roll can be reduced.

Abstract: Paired roller carrying shafts of a roller forming machine are arranged in two side-by-side sets on a table normally supported on a fixed base but elevatable for 180.degree. rotation. Thus, either selected one of the two sets can be in operation, coupled to drive heads on the base, along one side of it, while the other set is idle, adjacent to the opposite side of the base for possible change of forming rollers. One end portion of every roller shaft is journaled in an outboard support that is near a side edge of the table; its opposite end portion is journaled in an inboard support near the longitudinal centerline of the table. To facilitate change of forming rollers, gears for connecting the upper and lower roller shaft of each pair are secured to their inboard end portions and the outboard supports are detachably mounted on the table.

Abstract: A roll stand used for a cold forming apparatus wherein a body of the roll stand has a slant surface on which a pair of non-driving rolls are installed so as to press sheet metal therebetween. The angle between the slant surface of the body and a base on which the body is installed is adjustable by rotating the body, thereby twisting the sheet metal.

Abstract: A mobile roll-forming machine for shaping of metal panels used, for example, in building construction, roofing and the like. The machine may be easily transported to the construction site for on-site formation of metal panels, and supports a roll of sheet metal from which the panels are to be formed. The machine (10) comprises a main frame (11) to which a metal roll-forming head assembly (13) is removably secured, whereby different head assemblies may be quickly and easily substituted on the main frame for forming different shapes in the metal panels. The head assembly (13) may also be elevated to an inclined position relative to the main frame for matching the pitch of a surface being covered with the metal panels, whereby the panels may be fed directly from the machine onto the surface. The machine further includes a shear blade (36) for cutting the metal panels to any desired length, and slicing wheels (68) for cutting the panels to desired width.

Abstract: A forming apparatus for shaping a workpiece made from malleable metal strip driven through the apparatus comprises a main frame on which are mounted driven bottom rollers for driving and supporting the workpiece through the apparatus and top rollers pressing the strip against the bottom rollers. The top rollers are mounted on side sub-frames which are traversible towards and away from the longitudinal center-line of the apparatus and which carry forming tools. The subframe may carry forming rollers mounted in cylindrical carriers which are themselves rotatably mounted end to end in support tubes extending parallel to said center-line and are rotationally adjustable independently of each other, for example to allow the amount of angular deformation of the strip to be adjusted without necessarily changing the forming tools. Bars provided to effect bending may be readily adjusted for size variation.

Abstract: An automatic main seam feeding and folding device which has an automatic feeding and folding die which folds two adjacent edges of fabric to form a fell seam and feeds the fabric seam to a sewing machine while maintaining the proper tension and edge alignment. The feeding and folding die folds the adjacent fabric edges from an initial zero degrees of fold to a final overlapping interlocking 180 degree fold to form a main seam and includes tractor dogs along the right and left sides of the die block to continously feed the fabric material. The tractor dogs push the material along the outside of a straight solid die block with the fabric edges to be folded moving within a slot which encloses and contains the fabric spacially. The feeding and folding die is made sufficiently long to enable the two fabric edges to be gradually folded from a parallel planar flat position at the die mouth to a 180 degree, one inch interlocking four layer folded fell seam configuration at the die terminus or nose.

Abstract: In a roll forming machine having a base, a motor drive, a gear drive transmission connected to the motor drive and a plurality of vertically aligned longitudinally spaced pairs of complimental pass forming rolls of progressive different shapes respectively arranged in a longitudinal set to successively receive, feed and form therebetween an elongated strip of stock in a continuous operation. Gear means interconnect the transmission and forming rolls for rotation thereof in unison. A rotatable turret mount assembly is provided to support a plurality of radially extending preset sets of form roll tooling, with each set being adapted for a different form of final product. The turret mount assembly is adapted for selected limited rotation upon a longitudinal axis to rapidly place any one of the plurality of preset sets of tooling in its operational 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: A method and apparatus is described for use in combination with a machine for corrugating a continuous strip of flat sheet material which prepares the sheet material for separation into sections after it has been corrugated. A platform is located upstream of the corrugating machine. The platform is intermittently advanced in the direction of travel and at the speed of the sheet material so that the platform is stationary relative to the sheet material. A scoring device is located on the platform. The scoring device moves across the width of the sheet material as the platform moves with the sheet material to form a spanwise weak point in the material. After the material passes through the corrugating machine, it can readily be separated into sections at the weak points formed in the material by the scoring device. Depth of scoring can be varied also so that substantial/total separation can also occur within the corrugator though it would not separate the flat strip before it entered the corrugator.

Abstract: Apparatus for reforming round cans into rectangular cans including an anvil having an entrance and an exit end, a gripper chain for moving the cans along the anvil; side-mounted rollers or belts for forming the round can into a rectilinear shape; and a paneling roller for creasing the can into a rectilinear shape prior to the exit end of the anvil.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously transforming a flat metal strip into an elongated pipe, in which the strip is fed through a forming tool along a curved forming path wherein the longitudinal edge portions are progressively turned up into cross-sectionally arcuate portions leaving between a substantially cross-sectionally rectilinear section, the width of which progressively decreases during travel of the strip through the forming tool. The curved forming path in the tool is such that it has a radius of curvature R(z) in its longitudinal direction, the arcuate portions each having a radius r.sub.o and the decreasing width of said rectilinear section being 2x(z) (wherein z is the distance of travel through the tool). The radius of curvature R(z) is controlled in sole dependence on r.sub.o and the differential quotient x'(z).

Abstract: A reverse bending tool for bending a workpiece bent at a right angle to a reverse curve has a support angle iron and a guide angle iron forming an enclosed space of rectangular cross-section therebetween and extending along the lengths thereof. A shaping member is secured in the space between the support and guide angle irons. The workpiece is drawn between the shaping member and inner surfaces of plates of the support and guide angle irons.

Abstract: An automatic edge turner for sheet metal that includes a pair of perpendicularly oriented bending blades. One of the blades is vertically oriented and is adapted to be reciprocated by a power tool such as a unit shear. The other blade is horizontally disposed and is fixedly positioned adjacent and below the reciprocating blade. The stationary blade is maintained in position by a holding unit which extends rearwardly and arcuately about the housing for the reciprocating blade. The stationary blade is adapted to ride underneath the edge of sheet metal to be bent, and the two blades have cooperating right angled surfaces for bending the edge of sheet metal as it passes therebetween.

Abstract: An arrangement for working the interior cross-section of a thin-walled circular pipe or other cylinder to a symmetrical, non-circular cross-section such as a rectangular or a flat-oval form is described. The pipe to be worked is advanced over and into contact with a conforming mandrel whose outer surface has a cross-section that corresponds to the internal, initially round cross-section of the pipe. The mandrel is provided with an outer cross-section that varies axially from an input round cross-section corresponding to that of the pipe to an output cross-section that matches the final configuration of the worked pipe, while exhibiting a constant peripheral dimension throughout its length. The mandrel is made freely-rotatable about its axis as the pipe is advanced along and in contact with the mandrel in order to maintain a coaxial configuration of the resulting contoured pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting and bending preselected pin fins of a finned-tube heat exchanger to preselected locations. First and second toothed wheels positioned on opposed sides of respective first and second pin fin rows bend the pins in response to moving a finned tube through a base opening. A wheel contacts the finned tube between the rows of pin fins and urges the tube into forcible engagement with a base.