Abstract: A longitudinally reinforced crimped streamer includes a thin narrow metallic strip of flexible streamer material having a pair of opposite faces and a multiplicity of longitudinally-spaced, transversely-extending crimps set therein. The crimps form a series of alternating, opposite-facing, permanent, flexible bends in the streamer material and provide a multiplicity of transversely-extending opposing pairs of surfaces with the surfaces of one pair being disposed in inclined relation to the surfaces of each adjacent pair. The streamer also includes at least one elongated strip of flexible reinforcing material much narrower in width than the strip of streamer material and adhesively applied to adjacent surfaces provided on one face of the streamer material strip and extending longitudinally therealong, generally perpendicular to the extent of the crimps and centered between opposite side edges of the streamer material strip. The reinforcing material strip can be in the form of ordinary flexible strapping tape.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a pinch mark to a wire (10) at a selected target position along the length of the wire. The apparatus operates in response to a first signal (MARK) indicating that the target position is at a known upstream location. The apparatus includes pinch means (44) including dies (54,56) mounted for movement to and from a pinch station along the wire path. The apparatus includes coupling means responsive to the first signal for causing the dies to move to the pinch station when the target position is at the pinch station. The coupling means may comprise a servo motor (60), control means (70) for driving the servo motor at a selected speed with respect to the wire speed, and engagement means (62,64) responsive to the first signal for coupling the dies to the servo motor such that the dies and the target position arrive at the pinch station at the same time and traveling at the same speed. The dies thereby exert a minimum lengthwise force on the wire.

Abstract: There is provided a method for inhibiting corrosion at elevated temperatures of a nonnesting accordion folded or wound corrugated thin metal strip. The strip is corrugated with a longitudinally running series of peaks and valleys by passing the strip through a set of corrugating gears, each of the corrugations including one longitudinally extending displacement deviating from and returning to an imaginary line extending between the longitudinal marginal edges of the strip. The corrugations are characterized further in that the deviation extends in the direction of movement of the strip through the corrugating gears and is first to enter and exit from such gears. This places the maximum of the deviation in compression which has been found to minimize corrosion, e.g., from the pollutants contained in the exhaust from an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: There is provided a particulate trap for reducing the amount of particulates emanating from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. The device utilizes a wound or accordion folded corrugated metal strip. The corrugations are characterized by a plurality of isolated projecting geometric configurations, such as a V-shaped chevrons spaced along a straight line extending between the parallel marginal edges of the thin metal strip. The apices of the metal strip pass through the corrugating rolls to place such apices in compression rather than in tension. These devices are not subject to nesting and are effective to remove diesel exhaust particulates.

Abstract: In a machine for corrugating a continuous length of strip stock fed between a pair of corrugation rollers, apparatus controls height of corrugations formed by the rollers by selectively varying tension on the strip stock fed between the rollers. Such apparatus includes a sensor for measuring actual height of corrugations formed by the rollers, and a clutch for applying tension to the strip stock upstream of the rollers, with the height of corrugations varying as a direct function of tension applied to the strip stock. A tension sensor is positioned between the clutch and the forming rollers for measuring tension applied to the strip stock and controlling the clutch accordingly.

Abstract: A method for making a corrugated thin metal strip wherein corrugations are linear and extend obliquely from one longitudinal marginal edge to the opposite longitudinal marginal edge of the strip. The invention involves passing the thin metal strip through corrugating rolls for impressing a series of single apex, V-shaped chevron corrugations into the surface of the metal strip. The rolling of the strip between the helical gears is done in such a way that the apex of the V-shaped chevron is the last portion to leave the corrugating rolls whereby the apex is in tension and enables metal strip to be split into two obliquely corrugated metal strips along the apices of the chevron.

Abstract: There is provided a process and apparatus for making, preferably continuously, a catalytic converter element or core especially adapted for the treatment of exhaust from an internal combustion engine, whether spark or compression ignited. The converter element may be a fan-folded or accordion folded thin metal strip or a spirally wound element which carries strongly adhered to the surface thereof a catalyst, e.g. a noble or precious metal catalyst such as platinum and/or palladium and/or rhodium. The metal strip entering the process is an aluminum coated ferritic ribbon between 0.001 and 0.003 inches thick, and 1 inch to 30 inches wide. The strip is preferably annealed and perforated at predetermined intervals. Thereafter, the strip is corrugated and given a washcoat of a refractory metal oxide which is calcined onto the surface. One or more precious metal catalysts are supplied and dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing spacers or blocks preferably for use in pallet structures as supporting elements for the deck and/or as blocks between load deck and stringers, said blocks consisting of sleeves made from sheet metal. An elongate, substantially rectangular sheet metal blank (11) is fed into a nip (7) formed by at least two corrugated rolls (1, 2) with its main plane inclined to the plane passing through the axes of the rolls. The front end (17) of the blank (11) is fixed in a groove (12) in the surface of the roll (1). When the rolls (1, 2) are rotated, the blank (11) is shaped in the roll nip (7) and is rolled on to the roll (1). After the rolls (1, 2) have rotated at least one revolution, the ready-shaped block is withdrawn or pushed from the roll (1) in an axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping a strip, especially a metal strip includes a pair of working rolls which are provided with a plurality of forming tools spaced about the circumference of the rolls. Arranged before the working rolls is a pair of guide rolls which run in synchronism with the strip speed. In order to be able to increase the operating speed of the apparatus, i.e. to allow the working rolls to run at a higher speed than the advance speed of the strip, in between the guide rolls and the working rolls a roller is located which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the advance motion of the strip and is supported by the strip itself and by springs located in respective casing. A compensation between the different speeds of the guide rolls and the working rolls is provided by the gradual depression of the roller by the strip against the force of the spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming honeycomb-type core strip includes a source of metallic ribbon, form gears for forming a desired configuration in the ribbon and take-up means for taking up the core strip as it is issued from the form gears. Interposed between the source and take-up means is lubricating means for insuring adequate lubrication of the metallic ribbon as it enters the bite of the form gears. The form gears are characterized by a configuration which enables them to impart hinge means to the ribbon which facilitates the utilization of the ribbon in unitary metallic seal constructions wherein a continuous length of the ribbon is bent into helical form.

Abstract: An I-beam is made lighter in weight by corrugating the central portion of its web. Dimension of the corrugating is determined by predetermined experimental equations. The corrugating work is performed by a pair of complementary intermeshing rolls having the same dimensions.

Abstract: Multi-aperture ventilated floor members, for use in a grain bin or like applications, are formed from continuous sheet metal strip stock, complete, in one pass through a cold roll forming machine, in a method in which the critical steps comprise roll-lancing the metal strip to form multiple closed slits transversely of the length of the strip and then roll corrugating the strip transversely of its length to widen the slits into narrow open ventilation slots by stretching the metal, simultaneously ironing out the projections formed when the slits are lanced into the strip.

Abstract: In the method of the invention starting sheets are stiffened and straightened by pressing or rolling upon the sheet various stiffening patterns projecting from the plane of the sheet, the starting sheet being rolled or pressed from both sides by means of a roller or a press the opposite surfaces of which have the patterns, while the starting sheet is suspended by its lugs.An apparatus is disclosed having conveyors for conveying the starting sheets and a roller or press for embossing stiffening patterns upon the starting sheets, the roller or press having two parallel rollers or press plates, provided with regularly alternating depressions and corresponding protrusions, at least one of the press plates being movable in the lateral direction, the roller or press being mounted below the suspension conveyor for the starting plates in such a manner that a starting sheet suspended by its lugs from the suspension conveyor passes through the roller or press.

Abstract: A pair of opposed corrugating rollers (22 and 24) are supported on a frame (52) for corrugating a metal tape (20). The corrugating rollers (22 and 24) are supported for continuous reciprocating movement laterally of the tape (20) during the corrugating operation to distribute wear evenly over the surface of the rollers.

Abstract: Clips adapted to be subsequently employed in tying the necks of bags and the like are formed in a continuous ribbon of metallic material and adapted to be wound on a reel for subsequent use as ties. A continuous ribbon of flat material is bent alternately in opposite directions at spaced points along its length to form a continuous length of generally sinusoidal-shaped similar connected elements so that substantially all of the deformation of the material takes place when the approaching end of the ribbon is free and thus not subject to being stretched or compressed except so far as these deformations take place during the bending process.

Abstract: A steel floor construction for freight hauling vehicles includes a plurality of elongated floor planking members arranged in side-by-side relation to provide a load bearing floor with a nailing groove between adjacent planking members. Each plank includes a downwardly open channel member having a relatively wide central web supported along its edges by integrally formed downwardly extending flanges, with the web being reinforced along its length by an upwardly directed generally U-shaped member welded to its bottom surface and having a pattern of anti-skid projections die-formed on and project upwardly from its top surface. The channels are progressively roll formed from a continuous length of strip steel by passing the strip through a series of forming roll pairs.

Abstract: A high production method and apparatus by which flat, ribbon-like resistance wire stock is fed between male and female die rolls to produce ribbed or grooved strips which can be spiral wound into electrical heating coils of the type used in cigar lighters, ignitor plugs and the like. The ribbing or grooving of the ribbon enables the nesting of adjoining convolutions to be had. The imparting of the ribbed configuration to the ribbon is effected prior to the cutting and winding of the same into the spiral coil. In accomplishing this, cooperable male and female rolls, turning in opposite directions, engage opposite sides of, and rib the ribbon and thereafter cut it into lengths while it is still moving, this being done at a high production rate. After an annealing process, the cut strips of ribbon can be fed to a coiling machine which will coil them into a spiral shape. The feeding, confining, grooving and cutting procedures are automatically, sequentially and continuously carried out quickly and expeditiously.

Abstract: Cold working apparatus operates to form a metallic sheet panel of material into a panel having a scalloped cross-sectional configuration. A first roller assembly has a major surface of a gear-like configuration comprising a series of continuous arcuate projections and depressions. A second rod assembly comprises a plurality of rods of equal diameter positioned to form a cross-sectional circular array. The first roller and rod assembly are positioned proximate one another to allow insertion of the metal sheet between the roller and rod assemblies and means for rotating the assemblies with respect to one another to cause the surfaces of said assemblies to form the planar sheet into a panel having a scalloped cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A plurality of concave or convex cube corners are formed in a radar transparent solid or on a reflective substance in a uniform repetitive pattern. The reflective substance may be flexible so as to adapt to warped surface mounting, as for instance on the outer surface of aircraft access panels or other outer recessed panels. A smooth optical blank may be ground by passing the same beveled cutting wheel across the back side of the blank along three paths diverging 120.degree.. A flexible reflector may be formed by passing the substance between gear-connected rollers patterned in male and female fashion with the cube corner pattern. The invention may be utilized in radar reflectors on vehicles of various sorts to make them more visible to radar emergency situations as encountered by downed aircraft, ships in fog, or lost individuals.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming heat exchanger turbulators from a roll of sheet metal strip stock employs two forming wheels with generally triangularly shaped teeth meshing with one another and one roll being driven about a fixed axis and the other roll being journalled on a second axis parallel to the first and disposed in floating relation thereto with means for adjustably biasing the second roll toward the first. A special tooth on each roll is used to form the turbulator handle and cut-off blades may be included to automatically cut the formed strip into individual turbulators.

Abstract: Metal, fiber or plastic panels are fabricated by the attachment of planar imperforate and/or partially perforated outer sheets to a specially formed center member comprising a web or sheet having a deformed surface defining an array of adjacent triangular projections and depressions. The center member is produced by the longitudinal cutting and folding of the web as it passes between two forming cylinders which mesh with one another, the cylinder peripheries carrying complementary arrays of spaced triangular-shaped tooth elements having their base lines aligned in the opposing cylinders, to shear and thereby relieve the passing web laterally so as to produce intermittent parallel cuts and angular folds in the web while gathering the web longitudinally thereby to form triangular, flat-topped cells in the center member. Instead of using two outer sheets, the formed center member can be used per se, e.g., as a packing medium, or it can be combined with only one outer sheet to form a single-face product.

Abstract: A roll working apparatus for use in forming, pressing, punching, shearing, etc., comprising a pair of rolls on each surface of which a plurality of male or female impression portions having dissimilar form or configuration, a work-feeding means for selectively supplying a work to the working position of any one specific pair of the impression portions once per each rotation of the rolls, and a phase (or timing) adjusting means for the selective feeding of the work, in order to enjoy the merit of carrying out a desired process of production, without doing troublesome and time-consuming change of the rolls, only by adjusting the phase adjusting means and, if necessary, work-feeding means.

Abstract: A rotary embosser for embossing strip sheet metal and having a male embossing roll having a series of upstanding die formations thereon around which the sheet metal runs. One or more indentation rolls having a resilient roll surface are arranged to run in pressurized contact with said embossing roll, said resilient surface being sufficiently resilient to permit indentation of said resilient surface by said male die formations. One indentation roll may be arranged to run in contact with the embossing roll at a point around the circumference thereof spaced down stream from the contact between said embossing roll and the other indentation roll thereby applying tension and pressure to the strip thereby holding the strip in position as it passes around the embossing roll. Tension roll means is arranged upstream around which said sheet metal strip runs, whereby said sheet metal strip is maintained in tension as it passes around both the indentation roll and said embossing roll.

Abstract: A device primarily for use by silversmiths and hobbyists for crimping a relatively thin strip of metal for jewelry creations and crafts. A pair of discs each have a centrally mounted pinion gear extending outwardly from a flat face of the disc. The gears are received within an annular collar having an elliptical cross-sectional configuration which houses the gears in meshing relationship and separates the discs. A pair of aligned holes is formed in the collar for receiving and discharging a strip of metal which is fed between the meshing gears and crimped when the discs are manually rotated. The collar is adjustable to regulate the crimp depth by varying the elongation of the collar by mechanically pressure squeezing the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rolling metal ribbon stock into convoluted fin strip for use in heat exchangers is disclosed. The passageways defined by adjacent convolutions may be of zig-zag shape in a direction transversely of the strip by reason of the fact that the form rolls are designed such that the return bent portions connecting successive convolutions are initially formed as two symmetrical half sections separated by a sharp bend line extending transversely along the centerline thereof. After the strip emerges from between the form rolls it is gathered or compressed lengthwise in a conventional manner so that further bending of the convolutions is localized along said sharp straight bend lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an indefinite length of flat strip material into a chevron-shaped matrix strip element used in the fabrication of a heat exchange matrix disk for a rotary regenerator heat exchange apparatus, or similar device, in which the chevron matrix strip is formed by passing the flat strip material between the mating shaped teeth of a pair of preforming rolls which preform the chevron shape and coin chevron break lines in this material, the thus preformed matrix strip then being advanced through a guide passage between a pair of gathering rolls which feed (gather-form) the matrix strip and at the exit of this passage a pair of indexing rolls are positioned to control (index) the matrix feed-out of the passage, all of these elements being suitably supported on a suitable frame with the separate sets of rolls being driven in predetermined timed relation to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for shaping sheet material such as metal foil includes co-operating rollers with teeth, between which the sheet material is fed. The teeth shape the sheet to form corrugations, and projections on the flanks of the teeth form patterns on the corrugations. In order to free the shaped sheet from the teeth, resilient material projects from the flanks of the teeth and urges the sheet away from the flanks after a shaping operation.The invention is intended for use in forming the secondary heat exchange surfaces in aluminium radiators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making corrugated collimators for radiation imaging devices. Strips of lead foil are corrugated in a pair of gear-like members, and the corrugated strips are mounted between straight strips to build up a honeycomb-like collimator structure. Specific techniques for producing parallel channel and converging or diverging channel collimators are illustrated.