Abstract: Provided are a systems and methods for continuously providing a metal wire to a welding torch for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication to provide continuous deposition of metal to the freeform object, especially objects made with titanium or titanium alloy wire.

Abstract: A contoured roller set and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A male roller having a convex surface and a pair of female rollers each having a concave surface can receive a generally thin sheet of material and impart a doubly-curved shape to the sheet. The convex and concave surfaces of the male and female rollers can have a radius of curvature chosen to match a radius of curvature of the sheet of material. The rollers are positioned and shaped to urge the sheet between the female rollers to cause the sheet to curve toward the male roller.

Abstract: Provided are a pipe bender which is capable of spiral pipe bending and a method for spiral pipe bending with radii of bend using the pipe bender. The pipe bender includes an XY sliding mechanism), which has a Y-axis movement means travelling back and forth and an X-axis movement means travelling from side to side; a turning table device for rotating a turning table provided on top thereof, the turning table device being placed on the XY sliding mechanism; a bender with a cylindrical shaft rotatably supported, the cylindrical shaft placed on the turning table and secured to a worm wheel; a center shaft passing through the hole of the cylindrical shaft and having a lower end secured to a bottom; and a bending roller provided on top of the cylindrical shaft rotatable about the center of a support roller and which is disposed adjacent to the support roller.

Abstract: Method for shaping a rim of a three dimensionally arched sheet metal, wherein the sheet metal is placed on a female die provided with a chamfer which follows the contour of a peripheral edge of the rim, the rim spanning the chamfer, and a male roller die is rolled on the sheet metal following the course of the chamfer while being pressed against the rim, thereby plastically deforming the rim locally into the chamfer while advancing along the chamfer in rolling contact.

Abstract: A method urges a blank along an axial direction between a movable bending tool and a stationary counter-tool and, while the blank is being moved forwards, of moving the bending tool from a neutral position, in which the blank is not bent, to a working position, in which the blank is bent to the desired bending centerline radius, the working position being rotated with respect to the neutral position by a given angle of rotation depending on the desired bending centerline radius. The method further includes urging the blank between a pair of shoes upstream of the bending tool so as to make the deformation of the blank easier, and the step of moving the bending tool from the neutral position to the working position is carried out by controlling at least two degrees of freedom of the movement of the bending tool in the plane defined by the axial direction and by a transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A method of mechanically treating alloy metal surgical needles to improve bending strength is disclosed. The needles are curved and reverse-curved in this method to improve bending strength.

Abstract: A lipping tool for lipping an acetabular reamer, the lipping tool comprising a bending form having a bending form curved surface and a bending form axis of rotation; and a pressure tool having a pressure tool curved surface adjacent to and complimentary with the bending form curved surface. The pressure tool has a pressure tool axis. The pressure tool being rotatable about the pressure tool axis, the pressure tool being also rotatable about the bending form axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to the plastic metal working, particularly to tube rolling production and can be applied for tube cold pilgering on rolling machines. Tool design for tube cold pilgering, in which, in order to increase accuracy, surface quality, mechanical properties stability and decrease rolled tubes defects, the evolvement of external and profile of internal tooling are executed in the form of unified curve and represent geometrical location of various spline-functions key-points, whereupon along with geometrical parameters of spline-functions calculated curves the authors use factors defining physical-mathematical properties of rolled material and pilgering schemes.

Abstract: In a method for controlling, monitoring and checking a shaping procedure of a shaping machine, in particular riveting machine (R) on a workpiece (27) by means of a plunger (4) which is moved into contact with the workpiece (27), an upper plunger face (9) and/or a lower plunger face (10) for moving the plunger (4) being subjected to pressure, a change in pressure and/or change in force is measured when the plunger (4) strikes against the workpiece (27), in order to determine the start of a shaping operation, in particular the start of a riveting operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for straightening out damaged metal and plastic elements. The device for straightening out a deformed element is characterized in that it comprises means for exerting pressure (3) on the deformed element (2), means for heating (6) the deformed element, at least a support reinforcement (5) secured to the deformed element (2), optionally a template (7) having the original shape of the deformed element, optionally an external support. The invention is generally useful for repairing deformed metal and plastic elements.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaws grips opposing ends of a metal sheet to be stretch-formed in a curved configuration. Each of the jaws are formed of an array of adjacent grippers movable relative to each other by respective hydraulic cylinders to define a part of the curve of the jaw. The improvement to the stretch-forming machine which is the subject of this application comprises a closed-loop servo-control means for moving each one of the grippers into a predetermined position relative to each other. Each of the servo-control means comprises a hydraulic cylinder position controller carried by the hydraulic cylinder of the one gripper for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder responsive to stored data representing the desired predetermined position of one of the grippers. A motor is provided for actuating the position controller in response to the data received by the position controller to move the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A flaring machine comprises a forming die (14) mounted on a support, two jaws (6) forming a clamping tool for holding one end of pipe (4) to be flared, driving means (17, 18) permitting an orbital motion of the forming die, driving means (25) permitting the forming die to move towards pipe end (4) and means permitting the forming die to move away from pipe end (4). Jaws (6) are disposed in a stationary jaw holder forming a first block (1). A second stationary block (2) faces the first block. A mobile block (3) comprising forming die (14), its support and its driving means (17) is provided with guiding means (12) connecting the two stationary blocks. Mobile block (3) is driven in translational motion by a hydraulic cylinder disposed in the second stationary block (2).

Abstract: A tool for use in body and frame repair of vehicles in which a defined contracting force is repetitively applied. A pneumatic ram is used to apply a contracting force between two hooks. The force applied is defined by an operator and is monitored so that the pneumatic ram is cycled between an active state (applying the defined force) and a relaxed state. Since the operator is able to define the exact amount of force being applied, damage from excessive application of force is avoided.

Abstract: A stretch-forming machine of the type wherein a pair of opposed curving jaws grips opposing ends of a metal sheet to be stretch-formed in a curved configuration. Each of the jaws are formed of an array of adjacent grippers movable relative to each other by respective hydraulic cylinders to define a part of the curve of the jaw. The improvement to the stretch-forming machine which is the subject of this application comprises a closed-loop servo-control means for moving each one of the grippers into a predetermined position relative to each other. Each of the servo-control means comprises a hydraulic cylinder position controller carried by the hydraulic cylinder of the one gripper for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder responsive to stored data representing the desired predetermined position of one of the grippers. A motor is provided for actuating the position controller in response to the data received by the position controller to move the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A press brake for bending a sheet-shaped work between an upper tool and a lower die and a method of bending the work are provided. In the method, at first, bending angles at plural positions of the work are measured by a trial bending. Next, based on the bending angles obtained, an engagement positional relation between the upper tool and the lower die is corrected to achieve accurate bending of the work at a target bending angle in order to carry out the method, the press brake includes a control unit for calculating a D value of a distance from a bottom of the lower die to a tip of the upper tool.

Abstract: A method of controlling a crimp press for crimping an assembly includes the steps of placing an assembly in an open crimp die of a crimp press, advancing a ram of the crimp press to a predetermined position to close the crimp die, determining whether a pressure in the ram is within a predetermined range, and alerting an operator if the pressure in the ram is not within the predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention is a press for cold working of metal workpieces. The invention includes a double-acting linear hydraulic power drive cylinder, a continuous press frame for accepting reactive forces that develop during the operation of the press, and a control valve system operable by output signals, and being one of program-controlled or manually triggerable, from an electronic control unit, for controlling motion of a piston of the drive cylinder.

Abstract: A machine for cold bending a thick walled tube is provided which includes a rotatable bend die around which the tube is bent and a pressure die which engages an outer side wall of the tube tangential to the bend. The pressure die has a pinch-type tube groove with multiple radiuses which receives the tube and substantially prevents relative movement between the pressure die and the outer side wall of the tube. The machine also includes a pressure die boost system which linearly advances the pressure die in a forward direction as the bend die is rotated. The boost system includes a linear actuator and an electro-hydraulic control system which automatically drives the linear actuator in accordance with a pre-programmed profile of pressure and flow parameters. The linear actuator has a hydraulic cylinder with a piston, a pusher coupling the piston to the pressure die, and ports in the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston.

Abstract: A press wherein a blank-holding force generated by cushioning cylinders is transmitted to a pressure member through cushion pins for holding a blank during a pressing operation by a die and a punch, and is controllable by a pressure adjusting device according to an optimum pattern of control by controlling a difference between fluid pressures in two pressure chambers of each cushioning cylinder whose volumes decrease and increase, respectively, as the cushion pins are lowered.

Abstract: A method of controlling a crimp press for crimping a hose assembly includes the steps of placing a hose assembly in an open crimp die of a crimp press, advancing a ram of the crimp press to a predetermined position to close the crimp die, determining whether a pressure in the ram is within a predetermined range, and alerting an operator if the pressure in the ram is not within the predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a press comprising, a drive mechanism, a slide and at least two connecting rods connecting between the drive mechanism and the slide for reciprocally driving the slide. At least two fluid valves are connected to respective connecting rods and manifolded together with a hydraulic chamber disposed in or adjacent the connecting rods. An electrically adjustable proportional valve is connected to the fluid valves which operate to vary the pressure at which the fluid valves open to unload the slide. A variable system pressurizing mechanism for pressuring said chambers to a predetermined system pressure is utilized while the mechanism may unload the slide if pressure within a hydraulic chamber exceeds a predetermined system pressure. A variable relief mechanism automatically relieves pressure within the hydraulic chambers dependent on an operating state of the press.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting domain refinement of electrical steels comprises an assembly of an array of rotatable members (2) mounted within a supporting structure (3) and movable into direct contact with the surface of a strip or sheet of electrical steel to create lines of local plastic deformation which extends generally across the width of the steel to effect domain refinement thereof. Relative linear movement is imparted between the member and the steel strip or sheet.

Abstract: A lightweight and easy-to-operate device for bending expansion loops in coaxial cable includes a bending frame which has on its upper surface pivoted brackets for securing the device to a support cable, so that the device may be slid into position and may be supported by the support cable during operation. The device also includes a pivoted bending handle with a bending shoe, which bending shoe bends and forms the coaxial cable along the profile of an arcuate surface of the frame. The bending handle is easily switched from one end of the frame to the other, to thereby bend both ends of the expansion loop against the arcuate form of the frame.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for straightening handhold safety appliances located on the side of rail cars.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for bending thin metallic pipes suitably used as a fuel supply pipe, brake pipe and the like of an automobile, which are bent at a plurality of portions thereof not in the same direction but in three-dimensional directions. The device according to the invention includes a stationary mold form having a first and a second bending section to the shapes of which a metallic pipe is bent and a guide member erected upright on the mold form at the second bending section, a bending member arranged outside the mold form and movable toward the latter for bending the metallic pipe, a rotor for rotating the bending member and an actuator for operating the rotor through a wire.

Abstract: In an apparatus for bending an elongated material such as a wire, strip or section bar material, at least one bending finger is mounted for displacement perpendicularly between an extended and a retracted position relative to a working plane in a cross-carriage mechanism disposed parallel to the working plane (AE) and operable for displacement in two rectilinear intersecting directions (x, y) parallel to the working plane (AE), said cross-carriage mechanism (K) comprising an outer carriage (19) mounted for displacement in the X direction, and an inner carriage (15) mounted in said outer carriage (19) for displacement in the Y direction, each carriage being provided with a separate bending actuator mechanism (18, 24). The bending actuator mechanisms (18, 24) are adapted to be numerically controlled by a control device (C) of the bending apparatus (1) either separately or in unison.

Abstract: A metal tubing bender forms arcs into metal tubing by engaging a swing-arm mounted roller against a clamped tubing section and rotating the roller through an arc necessary to place the desired degrees of bend into the tubing. The tubing is clamped against a forming plate that is provided with a peripheral groove of uniform radius and serves as a die for the forming operation. The forming plate stands out from a mounting plate and the roller swing arm fits between the mounting plate and the forming plate for stability of operation.

Abstract: A tube bending machine with rotary arms carrying a bending moment roller and a bending fulcrum roller has arm shafts mounted for axial movement. The arms are rotated for the tube bending action, whereby the bend so made in the tube lies in a predetermined non-planar arc. The arm shafts are turned by a pinion engaged by a rack and are moved axially by suitable pins engaged in cam slots with the rack and the cam slots all being moved simultaneously. In order to retain the tube in proper location or position during the trusts of non-planar arc bending there may be included more than one roller.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a support for supporting a blank in which at least one groove having a curved axis and a circular section is to be formed, a ball for forming the groove and carried at one end of a ball holder, a device for displacing the ball holder, and an articulated quadrilateral structure which has a first side rigid with the support and a second side in which the ball holder is fixed by an end of the ball holder. The second side is opposed to the first side of the quadrilateral structure. Thus the ball holder is movable relative to the support by the ball holder displacing device. An application of the apparatus is in the forming of runways in transmission joints of the tripod type.

Abstract: A method for making an irregularly configured endless metal frame and fixedly attaching a sheet of flexible material thereto.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resilient, C-shaped rail clamp wherein rod-shaped material is clamped tight at one end and starting from the clamped end the rod is deformed into the desired shape by a movement of a roller towards the free end while exerting local pressure.

Abstract: A system for automatically bending wire into arcuate segments of different selected configurations utilizing a wire bending roll displaceable selectively by a stepping motor which is controlled by a microprocessor to bend a length of wire conforming to data retrieved from a computer. The wire is selectively advanced to a shear assembly where it is severed to a specific length and advanced through feed rolls towards the bending roll. Detection of the advancing severed length of wire locks in a strobe gear and the microprocessor with the stepping motor to determine the position of the wire with respect to the bending roll and to incrementally displace the bending roll in a controlled manner along an arcuate path to produce the desired bend in the wire.

Abstract: Three cylindrical rollers are rotatably mounted equidistant from the center of a hollow tool head on radii spaced 120.degree. apart. Each roller has a thin flange; the three flanges lie in a single plane to form an internal circumferential rib in a rotating tubular workpiece. The tool head has two complementary parts with two rollers in one part of the head and one roller in the other part; the two parts are joined by a hinge. A second hinge, located so the rollers are between the two hinges, connects one of the parts to a tool bar mounted in a lathe tool holder. The axes of rotation of both hinges and all three rollers are parallel. A hole exposing equal portions of the three roller flanges is located in the center of the tool head. The two hinges permit the tool head to be opened and rotated slightly downward, taking the roller flanges out of the path of the workpiece which is supported on both ends and rotated by the lathe.