Abstract: An apparatus and method for bending or shaping orthodontic archwires or other medical devices into a complex, patient individual shape is described. The apparatus comprises of two moveable, compact, manipulators with, in total, at least three revolute joints defining three rotation axes and at least three prismatic joints defining at least three translation axes. Gripping tools are provided on the manipulators. The two manipulators are arranged to allow a relative movement in six degrees of freedom. A reduced complexity embodiment is also described having only one or two revolute joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical deformation device for a medical article, said deformation device comprising a receptacle for fixing the article, a deformation tool used to act on the article for deformation purposes, the deformation tool being movable in a defined manner relative to the receptacle, and a medical marking device that is detectable by a navigation system is held in each case on the receptacle and on the deformation tool for the purposes of determining a relative position of the deformation tool and the receptacle, wherein a further marking device is fixed to the deformation tool for the purposes of determining, by means of the navigation system, an extent of a deformation of the article. Moreover, the invention relates to a deformation system and a method for deforming a medical article.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for correcting a vehicle member, by which twisting or deflection of a vehicle member including a side member of the vehicle, may be corrected, may be disclosed, wherein the apparatus for correcting a vehicle member includes a base extending in a lengthwise direction thereof, and a plurality of correction units disposed on the base to be movable.

Abstract: In this method for manufacturing an armature winding for an electric machine, a rectangular conductor wire is wound helically by bending and shaping linking portions between rectilinear portions and coil ends to set angles while feeding the rectangular conductor wire, by repeating steps in which the rectangular conductor wire is fed by a set amount of feeding, the rectangular conductor wire is gripped and fixed by first through fourth chucks, the rectangular conductor wire is bent by pressing a first former near a root of the rectangular conductor wire, and gripping and fixing of the rectangular conductor wire by the first through fourth chucks is released.

Abstract: A tip end part of a main arm member of a Scott Russell mechanism is enabled to be brought close to a base end part of a sub arm member. A Scott Russell mechanism device is formed into a boomerang-like shape such that a main arm member coupled to a sub arm member is curved to detour a coupling position. Thus, when the coupling angle is changed so that a base end part of the main arm member and a base end part of the sub arm member are most separated from each other, a tip end part of the main arm member can be moved close to right beside the base end part of the sub arm member. With the Scott Russell mechanism device, a moving range of the tip end side of the main arm member can be enlarged.

Abstract: A welding device for a stretch bender is disclosed. The welding device for the stretch bender may include: an operating unit adapted to move forward toward or rearward from a bending die for shaping a shaped beam and mounted in front of the bending die; and a welding unit mounted at the operating unit and welding flange portions of the shaped beam that is completely formed by the bending die so as to prevent the flange portions from being overlapped with each other when extracting the shaped beam, the welding unit being movable forward or rearward against the operating unit.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for providing a substantially pressure-tight connection between a source of a plastics component and an opening of an inner channel of a rock bolt. The apparatus includes a central block moveable to be aligned with the rock bolt, a supply pipe slidably arranged in the central block, a first force transmitter, a gripper for attaching the central block to the rock bolt, a gripper drive slidably mounted on the central block and arranged to operate the gripper, and a second force transmitter, such that the first force transmitter is arranged to press the supply pipe onto the opening of the inner channel of the rock bolt. The gripper is mounted on the central block, and the second force transmitter is arranged to operate the gripper drive to force the gripper to clamp the central block onto the rock bolt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying tension to flexible items, including wire, barbed wire, cable, or rope, are described herein. A stationary clamping member is fixedly attached to a first end of a guide bar, extending outwardly therefrom, while a non-stationary clamping member is movably mounted to and extending outward from the guide bar substantially parallel to the stationary clamping member. The free end of a first flexible item is secured in the stationary clamping member, while the free end of a second flexible item is secured in the non-stationary clamping member. A tensioning assembly, such as a ratchet-like assembly engaging notches in the guide bar, is used to move the non-stationary clamping member away from the stationary clamping member, thereby tensioning one or both flexible items. Once the flexible items have been tensioned, they can be twisted together to form a connection without losing tension.

Abstract: A lower die or nest apparatus is described to create a hemming environment that locates and holds a metal panel to a frame using suction in a manner that substantially resists said loads on the panel without damage or deformation. The vacuum nest includes a frame made of a rigid material with an outer work surface and an interior region with a sealed elongated channel shaped to the contour of the metal panel. A polymeric rope is inlayed within a groove formed in the interior region to form the sealed elongated channel. A support member may be formed within the channel by inlaying additional polymeric ropes into grooves formed within the channel. A vacuum source is fluidly coupled with the sealed elongated channel to create a downward force by evacuating the volume of the channel.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a cable bolt includes a rotatably driven pay-out reel (20) for paying out a cable (1) coiled in use about the pay-out reel (20). An upstream accumulator (40) is located downstream of the pay-out reel (20) for accumulating cable (1) advanced from the pay-out reel (20). A bulb forming device (80) is located downstream of the upstream accumulator (40), for forming a bulb (2) in cable (1) advanced from the upstream accumulator (40). A cable drive (60) is located downstream of the upstream accumulator (40), for advancing cable (1) through the bulb forming device (80). The pay-out reel (20) is configured to rotate at least substantially continuously whilst the cable drive (60) is configured to advance the cable (1) after formation of each bulb (2) to a position for formation of a subsequent bulb (2) in the cable.

Abstract: A gun barrel stamping tool includes a die ram having a first U-shaped gun barrel fastener, a die container having a second U-shaped gun barrel fastener, and at least one die ram to die container fastener. The die ram and the die container each include opposing longer sidewalls and an elongate aperture located medially within each longer sidewall, the fastener being received by the elongate aperture. The die ram and die container combine to form an interior space for receiving a punch die. A circular aperture located medially within the shorter sidewall of the die container receives a punch die fastener for securing the punch die against the end wall of the die ram. The die container may include an adjustment mechanism for widening the interior space of the die container. The U-shaped gun barrel fasteners are located on opposing ends of the die ram and die container.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for gripping elongated workpieces comprises a housing, carrying two pivotable gripping jaws which are movable between opened and closed positions, as well as a guiding body, in which the housing is displaceably supported. A rod having a control element which is located between both gripping jaws and is displaceable between a position retracted into the gripping jaws and so as to spread them apart, and an opposite position, where the gripping jaws are converged. The control element engages the housing and, during a further movement in the retraction direction moves the housing.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The robot bending system is able to form archwires with any required second and third order bends quickly and with high precision.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator of a rotating electric machine includes a conductor end shaping process for shaping multiple lead wires aligned side by side in a single layer into a specific form in a plane in which the lead wires are initially aligned before a flat-patterned winding assembly configured by aligning multiple line conductors side by side and shaping the line conductors in spiral form is fitted into multiple slots formed in a flat stator core plate. The shaping process includes the steps of shaping the lead wires into bent form by using a stairstep conductor shaping jig under conditions where the lead wires are separated from one another along a direction generally perpendicular to the plane in which the lead wires are initially aligned, and causing the lead wires to return to positions in the initial alignment plane thereof by removing the stairstep conductor shaping jig.

Abstract: A frame for holding sheet material taut comprises a support as well as two legs which extend essentially parallel to one another transversely from the support, on which legs fixing elements are provided for fixing, in each case, one of the opposing edges of a piece of sheet material thereto. At least one of the legs can be moved along the support towards and away from the other leg. Furthermore compensation elements are provided for compensating for stretch and/or shrinkage of the piece of sheet material fixed between the legs.

Abstract: An elbow rotator apparatus for rotating an integrally formed section of an elbow workpiece includes a pair of gripping arms which are selectively positionable in a first position displaced from the elbow workpiece, and a second position in which the gripping arms are in contact with the integral section of the elbow workpiece. A rotary actuator is operatively connected to the gripping arms to selectively rotate the gripping arms by a predetermined amount when the gripping arms are in the second position.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A core bar for bending of a pipe and a method of bending of a pipe are provided whereby collapse of the pipe can be prevented and bending can be automated at low cost. Ends of the respective core bar portions are formed such that, when the ends of the two cylindrical core bar portions are engaged telescopically, and one core bar portion is bent at a desired angle with respect to the other core bar portion, the outside circumferential surface of the bending region that is formed by these core bar portions becomes a curved surface along the generating line.

Abstract: An Apparatus and method for forming elongated metal articles includes one or more rotating dies (1) each provided with an indentation (3). The indentation (track) is shaped so as to be complementary to the actual final shape of the resulting articles, and the dies (1) are designed and adapted to ensure/allow three rotational degrees of freedom under deformation by rotation of the dies.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a step of setting prescribed dimensions L and p, a wire feeding step of feeding a wire on a turning base surface by the dimension L, a turning step of turning the wire on the turning base surface to thereby form a first turning portion, a straight first portion, a second turning portion and a straight second portion, and a pushing step of pushing the straight first portion or the straight second portion so that it goes away from the turning base surface by the dimension p. A manufacturing apparatus that executes the above steps is also disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A stretch-forming press for stamping continuously fed sheet metal includes a ram, a base member, and a feed mechanism configured to advance a strip of sheet metal through the stretch-forming press. A forming station has a die configured to form a desired pattern in the strip of sheet metal. A leveling station has a pair of opposed jaws slidably received in corresponding recesses of the stretch-forming press, with the jaws oriented at an angle with respect to a direction of travel for the strip of sheet metal as it passes through the leveling station.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for accurately and repeatably positioning metallic parts having variable length extrusions and shaped sheet metal in a modular die system that forms a joggle in the metallic parts. The apparatus of the present invention includes a standard joggle die system that is currently in use in the art. The apparatus further includes a movable back gage assembly that works in combination with the joggle die system to allow an operator to accurately position the workpiece between the joggle dies at a preselected position. The back gage assembly is movable in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The back gage assembly moves into a stored position away from the working area of the dies to permit the joggle to be formed in the workpiece. The back gage assembly can then move back into the working area to accurately position the next workpiece without the need for further adjustments.

Abstract: A metal-stretching grip head has a row of parallel upper plates wholly to one side of a plane and having front ends and rear ends and a row of parallel lower plates wholly to an opposite side of the plane and having front ends forming at the plane with the front ends of the upper plates a mouth slot extending along the plane and open forwardly on the plane. The lower plates also have rear ends juxtaposed across the plane with the upper-plate rear ends. A one-piece C-section metal bar is snugly received in the mouth slot. Rigid structure separate from the plates and bar fixes the plates relative to one another.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus (1,31) for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method and apparatus (1,31) for forming a three-dimensional beam, it is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1,31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support device and an actuation device. Support members (2, 32, 41, 51, 61) spaced about the longitudinal axis of the support device locally define an opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) for supporting a section of the beam (5). The position of adjacent openings (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) relative to one another defines the overall form of the beam (5) and the actuation device defines the position of each opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63).

Abstract: A panel, formed from a perforated face (102), is respectively concavely and convexly curved by seriatim stretching or contracting its flanges (104a, b; 156a, b). Such stretching and contracting is produced by placing the opposed flanges within jaw halves (110a, b; 166a, b) of a jaw mechanism (110, 166), by seriatim positioning of the paired flanges between their respective jaw halves, and by moving the jaw halves away from or towards one another. Jaw movement towards one another effects a stretching function. Jaw movement towards one another effects a shrinking function. Computerization enables the panel curving to be precisely controlled. The curved panel, as it exits from the panel curving machine (126, 148) is supported on rollers (146) or, more precisely, by a scissor apparatus (176). The scissors apparatus includes roller sets (242, 244, 246) which are positionable, relative to one another, to conform the roller sets to the curvature of the exiting panel.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot arm. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional beam (5). It is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1, 31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support means and an actuation means. Support members (2, 32, 41, 51, 61) spaced about the longitudinal axis of the support means locally define an opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) for supporting a section of the beam (5). The position of adjacent openings (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) relative to one another defines the overall form of the beam (5) and the actuation means defines the position of each opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method and apparatus (1, 31) for forming a three-dimensional beam (5). It is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1, 31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support means and an actuation means. Support members (2, 32, 41, 51, 61) spaced about the longitudinal axis of the support means locally define an opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) for supporting a section of the beam (5). The position of adjacent openings (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) relative to one another defines the overall form of the beam (5) and the actuation means defines the position of each opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63).

Abstract: A metal-stretching grip head has a row of parallel upper plates wholly to one side of a plane and having front ends and rear ends and a row of parallel lower plates wholly to an opposite side of the plane and having front ends forming at the plane with the front ends of the upper plates a mouth slot extending along the plane and open forwardly on the plane. The lower plates also have rear ends juxtaposed across the plane with the upper-plate rear ends. A one-piece C-section metal bar is snugly received in the mouth slot. Rigid structure separate from the plates and bar fixes the plates relative to one another.

Abstract: A method for forming a folded fin includes at least the following steps: providing a horizontal metallic strip; forming number of pairs of indents alternately in a top face and a bottom face of the strip; clamping the strip with three folding tools, wherein a first tool is located between a first pair of indents in the top face of the strip, a second tool is located between a successive second pair of indents in the bottom face of the strip and a third tool is located between a fuirther successive third pair of indents in the top face of the strip; and moving the second and third tools toward the first tool to a position where parts of the strip between the first and second tools and between the second and third tools are bent to be vertical, wherein the third tool moves horizontally toward the first tool and the second tool moves at an angle toward an upper side of the first tool.

Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided which includes a stretch-forming apparatus and a beam processing unit or apparatus, which can be controlled by a common control unit. The beam processing unit can be a laser beam processing unit, which permits a sheet metal piece to be subjected to an additional laser processing step before, during and/or after a stretch-forming process.

Abstract: A method for making a folded fin for a heat sink comprises the steps of: preparing a metal plate; clamping the metal plate with three forming jigs in an initial position, the lower jig portion of the second forming jig having a tapered end; actuating the second forming jig to upwardly move toward the first forming jig at a specified angle and the third forming jig to horizontally move toward the first forming jig to a second position where a portion of the metal plate between the forming jigs has been bent into a pair of symmetrically inclined sections; and actuating the lower jig portion of the second forming jig to downwardly move away from the metal plate at a specified angle, and the third forming jig and the upper jig portion of the second forming jig to continue moving toward the first forming jig to a final position where the pair of symmetrically inclined sections of the metal plate has been bent double thereby forming a folded fin.

Abstract: Machines and methods for making an angled ductwork fitting from a length of flexible spiral pipe, which may be flat oval, having two ends. A pair of end securing devices are attachable to respective ends of the length of flexible spiral metal pipe. A mechanism moves the end securing devices relative to each other through a range of movement to an end position which effects bending of the length of spiral metal pipe to a desired angled configuration. Another disclosed method employs a preformed inflatable bladder which, when inflated, assumes the shape of an elbow. The preformed inflatable bladder is inserted in collapsed form into a length of flexible spiral metal pipe, and thereafter inflated.

Abstract: A fluid level indicator that compensates for fluid temperature is provided. The indicator includes an elongated shaft that is received by the fill tube of the apparatus. The shaft is adapted to contact the fluid at one end to measure the level of fluid in the apparatus. A reversible liquid crystal display is carried by the shaft and includes a plurality of bands. Each band has a defined height and is capable of being illuminated when the oil is within a certain temperature spectrum. When the band is at a temperature within its spectrum, the band illuminates, or somehow differentiates itself from those bands that are not within their illumination spectrum. At a specific temperature, certain bands, adjacent to one another, are illuminated to create a vertical range on the dipstick. The desired level of fluid in the apparatus is defined by the vertical range created by the illuminated bands of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A system (20) for anchoring a vehicle frame (22) to a platform (24) utilizes a variety of securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) to secure the vehicle frame (22) from movement at desired locations while the vehicle frame (22) is being aligned with pulling forces applied by pulling towers (26). The securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) are held on cross beams (28, 30) which mount to anchoring stands (32), and the anchoring stands (32) are attached to the platform (24). The securement components include a rail vise (34), a C-channel clamp (36), a leaf spring shackle (38), L-clamps (40, 41), a slide plate (42), a hole adapter (44), a tie-down ratchet assembly (46), and a turnbuckle assist (48). The rail vise has two guide channels (78, 80) which slidably receive guide pins (114) therein. The guide pins (114) extend from a front movable clamp leg (74).

Abstract: A vehicle holding system for use with a vehicle frame straightener including a vehicle supporting rack and one or more pulling towers positioned adjacent thereto. The system of this invention comprises a pair of elongated cross bars which are secured to the rack and which extend between the sides thereof. A pair of blocking sockets are selectively mounted on each of the cross bars. Each of the locking sockets has a socket insert sleeve positioned therein which has a blocking upright mounted therein. Various components may be either secured to the sleeve or to the blocking uprights to block or hold the vehicle frame during the straightening operation.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable force deflection device which can be used to guide, deflect, and apply force used in the restoration of deformed vehicle bodies on work benches or straighteners. The device consists of at least two fixable, pivoted joints, each comprising a pair of coupling discs that can be independently rotated about a common central axis to a desired angle relative to each other and then fixed in place. One of the coupling discs in each of the at least two pivotable joints is connected to either a separate force application device or to a tool attached to the portion of the vehicle body to be restored. The second of the coupling discs in each pair is connected to at least one rigid, elongated element of various possible sizes and shapes, or to a plurality of such rigid, elongated elements and interconnecting pivotable joints connected in alternating series.

Abstract: In a device and method for unfolding a shaped metal article having a longitudinal bent or curved portion, the shaped metal article is unfolded along the bent or curved portion. The device is provided with a vacuum-type absorbing means for absorbing at least one side of the shaped metal article adjacent to the bent or curved portion. The one side of the shaped metal article is unfolded against the other side of the shaped metal article about the bent or curved portion.

Abstract: A device for alignment of a vehicle body and a method in the work of alignment of a vehicle body. The device includes an alignment table to which the vehicle is attached by skirt clamps, the vehicle being fixed from skirt plates to the skirt clamps and through the skirt clamps to the alignment table during alignment work. Each skirt clamp has a support arm which is positionable in relation to, and separated from, the skirt clamp and which support arm can be coupled with the skirt clamp by a fastening member. The support arm is also connected with the constructions of the vehicle directly or through intermediate parts such that damage to the skirt beam is prevented by the support arm during the alignment work as the support force of the support arm is received by the skirt clamps.

Abstract: A device for producing a tube-shaped printing form from a plate with a register hole system. A clamping strip which can be supported in its initial position and fastened to the respective plate edge longitudinally is provided for each edge of the plate to be connected. The clamping strips have a pin register which is designed in so that the pins can cooperate with the register hole system of the plate. A mechanism is assigned to one of the strips for effecting a rotation around an axle parallel to its longitudinal axis. The strips can be positioned opposite one another by this rotation and the plate edges clamped at the strips contact one another and can be connected for the purpose of forming a tube.