Abstract: A method of forming sheet metal skins of the inner fixed structure of a blocker door thrust reverser assembly having convex and concave curvatures. The method includes plastically stretching a sheet of metal about a mandrel having a chordwise central first axis to form a substantially convex shape. The method further includes the addition of features after the substantially convex shape is formed to facilitate plastically stretching a portion or portions of the substantially convex shape into a substantially concave shape about an axis that is substantially parallel to the chordwise central first axis.

Abstract: A method of stretch forming a double curvature panel having corrugations or other surface features formed therein includes providing a reconfigurable forming surface defined by a flexible interpolator sheet mounted on an array of height adjustable pins, the interpolator sheet having a profiled upper surface adapted to form corrugations or other surface features in a workpiece as it is stretched over the forming surface, adjusting the height of each pin to suit the shape of the panel to be produced, placing a workpiece onto the forming surface, and stretching the workpiece over the forming surface such that the profiled upper surface of the interpolator sheet forms the desired corrugations or other surface features in the workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for forming sheets by longitudinal stretching, the machine includes: two stretch heads located on either side of a forming tool for the sheet, the stretch heads each including a line of grippers integral with a support structure which is associated with way of stretching and which is mounted on a chassis by the intermediary of a tipping axis; at least one tipping cylinder being inserted between the chassis and the support structure, in order to allow for the maneuvering in rotation of the support structure about the tipping axis; and the chassis being carried by a support frame. The stretching machine includes a unit, inserted between the support frame and the chassis, arranged to allow for an adjusting of the vertical positioning of the tipping axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for draping knitted fiber fabrics for curved profiled structural parts of fiber composite material includes a mold having a mold surface that corresponds to a portion of the desired profile geometry and curvature of the profiled structural part, a clamping device for tensioning a layer of a knitted fiber fabric along a tensioning line in a prestressed state, and a movement device for producing a relative movement between the mold and the clamped-in fabric layer such that the mold surface moves close to the fabric layer in a direction perpendicular to the tensioning line and, in the further course of the relative movement, pushes through the tensioning line such that the fabric layer completely covers the mold surface. The clamping device is equipped to load the fabric layer during the entire draping operation with a tensile force acting along the tensioning line.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a loft angle no less than 18°, a striking face, a sole portion, and a top portion having an exterior surface. In an imaginary vertical plane spaced from a face center by no more than 10 mm and perpendicular to an imaginary striking face plane, an imaginary line segment has a length of 25 mm, a first endpoint located in the imaginary striking face plane, a second endpoint located above the exterior surface, and forms an angle ? with the striking face plane between 55° and 65°. The line segment is tangent to the exterior surface at a first point. A second point is located on the imaginary line segment and spaced from the first point by no less than 1 mm. The second point is spaced from the exterior surface by a gap distance that is no greater than 0.15 mm.

Abstract: Provided is a molding method for a plate-shaped workpiece including forming a concave portion (11) at one surface (1a) of a plate-shaped workpiece (1), and bending the plate-shaped workpiece (1) having the concave portion (11) such that the one surface (1a) becomes a concave surface and a rear surface (1b) thereof becomes a convex surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an actuator having an actuation axis, a base having a base plane, a first actuator mount for associating the actuator with the base in a first position, and a second actuator mount for associating the actuator with the base in a second position, and a clamp for associating the golf club head with the base. If the actuator is in the first position, the actuation axis is substantially perpendicular to the base plane, and, if the actuator is in the second position, the actuation axis is oblique relative to the base plane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sheet metal stamping device and method for substantially inhibiting recoil from a neutral stamped position of a scrap part region. A sheet metal stamping device for stamping a sheet metal part comprising a first die body and a second is provided wherein the first die body and the second die body are in operable communication for forming the sheet metal part from a sheet metal blank. The sheet metal part includes at least one scrap region formed therein which is prone to recoil from a neutral stamped position. The first die body and the second die body have complementary elongate bead-forming regions located for forming an elongate bead region in the scrap region. And, the elongate bead-forming regions are configured such that the elongate bead substantially inhibits recoil or springback of the scrap region from the neutral stamped position when the scrap region is severed from the part.

Abstract: An electrically heating device is provided with a pair of clamp units serving as electrodes for energization and applying tension to a workpiece to be heated clamped between the clamp units by moving the clamp units in the direction in which the clamp units separate from each other during energization heating. The clamp units each include a facing surface inclined with respect to the moving direction of the clamp units and form, by the facing surface, a preform including an inclined surface inclined with respect to the plane direction of the workpiece in a clamping portion clamped between the clamp units in the workpiece.

Abstract: A bending device. The bending device may comprise: a frame, center die, two sliding dies, and one or more motors. The center die may be positioned at a distal end portion of the frame and may advance towards a proximal end portion of the frame along a first path guide. The first sliding die may be positioned at a left portion of the frame and may advance towards and approximately near the first bent portion of the center die along a second path guide. The second sliding die may be positioned at a right portion of the frame and may advance towards and approximately near the second bent portion of the center die along a third path guide. The motors may actuate the movement of the center die, the first sliding die, and the second sliding die.

Abstract: An uncured composite member is formed over a mandrel having a contour using a flexible compactor. Forming is performed outwardly from the apex of the contour.

Abstract: A clamping device for a bending press includes a clamping die with a space formed therein, a clamping holder rotatably disposed within the space of the clamping die around a rotation shaft formed thereto, an upper cam block and a lower cam block respectively disposed within the clamping holder and slidable along the horizontal direction, and of which a cam slant surface is formed at a front side of the upper cam block and the lower cam block respectively, an upper clamping block and a lower clamping block contacting each cam slant surface of the upper cam block and the lower cam block, and clamping an end of a pipe disposed therebetween by sliding along a slant direction of the clamping holder, and a pressing unit selectively pressing the upper cam block and the lower cam block.

Abstract: A pipe homing tool includes a plurality of clamps each having a clamp cavity, a chain extending through the clamp cavity of each of the plurality of clamps and a binder engaging the chain and adapted to selectively shorten and lengthen the chain.

Abstract: Systems, instruments and methods are provided for bending an elongate spinal implant used in a medical procedure. In one form, an instrument for bending an elongate spinal implant includes a proximal handle portion and a bending mechanism having an implant engaging member movably coupled to the proximal handle portion. The bending mechanism is operable to articulate the implant engaging member relative to the proximal handle portion while a second implant engaging member associated with the articulating implant engaging member holding the elongate spinal implant in position. In another form, systems and methods are provided to bend in situ an elongate spinal implant associated with an orthopedic construct.

Abstract: A bending apparatus has (a) a first manipulator which feeds a hollow metal blank of closed cross section in its lengthwise direction, (b) a second manipulator which supports a first support means disposed at a first position and a metal blank while feeding it, a heating means disposed at a second position downstream of the first position in the blank feed direction for heating all or part of the circumference of the blank, and a cooling means disposed at a third position downstream of the second position for cooling a portion of the heated blank, and (c) a third manipulator which constitutes a second support means disposed at a fourth position downstream of the third position in the feed direction of the blank and which moves two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting at least one location of the metal blank to bend the metal blank into a desired shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels to products includes a label application station at which the labels are applied to a product and an application head movably mounted relative to a base for movement between a first operative loading position spaced from the label application station and a second operative application position at which the application head applies at least one label to a product positioned at the label application station. An electrically actuated solenoid is operatively connected to the application head to move the application head between the first and second operative positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described to form and join a short flange on a periphery of a sheet material supported in a nest (30). The apparatus includes a positional pressure forming steel (PPFS) assembly (50) located on the end of a robotic arm (42). The PPFS assembly (50) includes a hub (52) slidably supported in a cylinder (56). At least one tool steel (70, 70?, 70?) is located on an extension (68, 68?) from the hub (52). A biasing element (58) interposed between the cylinder (56) and the hub (52) enables precise control of the forming pressure by defining a tool path control program which maintains a relative relationship between the PPFS assembly (50) and the nest (30).

Abstract: A stretching device has a housing; a first clamping member attached to a first portion of the housing; a second clamping member attached to a second portion of the housing; wherein the first clamping member has a movable pivot member such that an angle of contact between the first clamping member and a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of the workpiece's thickness. A stretcher assembly has a first stretcher having a first housing having a first clamping member and a second clamping member opposed to each other; and a second stretcher having a second housing having a third clamping member and a fourth clamping member opposed to each other; and a workpiece support member interposed between the first stretcher and the second stretcher, wherein the first and third clamping members each includes a movable pivot joint such that an angle of contact of the first and third members with a workpiece to be gripped remains constant regardless of a thickness of the workpiece.

Abstract: A concentric machining device for a roller includes a movable upper base, a stationary lower base, two movable mold seats, two slide rods and four first hydraulic cylinders. Each of the mold seats has a forming mold inside, the forming mold has a fitting hole with an enlarged conical opening at the front side thereof, a locating shaft is received in the forming mold of the first mold seat and penetrates the fitting hole thereof and the first cylinder member, a clamping shaft is received in the forming mold of the second mold seat and penetrates the fitting hole thereof and the second hydraulic cylinder to connect with the fourth hydraulic cylinder. The roller is held by the bases and the shafts via two of the hydraulic cylinders and both ends of the roller are machined by the forming molds in the mold seats to provide squeezed and shrunk shapes once the mold seats are actuated by the other two hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A method for controlling the material flow during the deep-drawing of sheet metal involves compressing the edges of the sheet metal (1) between at least one upper stopper (13) and at least one lower stopper (6, 7) during the deep-drawing process, with a controllable elastic force (8, 9). A corresponding deep-drawing tool is also provided. A Z-shaped blocking step (11) is stamped into the edge (1a) of the sheet metal when the upper and lower stoppers (13, 6, 7) are closed, the basic shape is then produced by deep-drawing, maintaining the blocking step (11) and completely blocking the sheet metal between the stoppers. The sheet metal (1) is outwardly stretched, and the blocking step (11) is then reduced in terms of height, facilitating the outward displacement of the sheet metal towards the outside. The deep-drawing tool has a lower stopper including an inner stopper (6) and an outer stopper (7).

Abstract: A line-up clamp unit is powered by a diesel engine which drives a hydraulic pump for operating hydraulic equipment in the unit. The unit includes a line-up clamp which has front shoes, rear shoes and expanding copper back-up tiles. Drive wheels are deployed by a hydraulic cylinder and operated by a hydraulic drive motor. A group of aligning assemblies are electrically operated and fiction to extend L-shaped members to beyond the diameter of the pipe being welded so that the unit can be automatically positioned at the end of a pipe section. A control box includes a radio receiver for receiving control signals and producing corresponding electric control commands for operating the line-tip unit. A remote control radio transmitter has operating, mechanisms, including push buttons and toggle switches, for operating the line-up unit, including the engine, drive motor, brakes, line-up clamp and aligners.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for two-stage stretch forming of a sheet metal blank workpiece between a preform tool with a concave cavity and an opposing finish-form punch tool. Both tools are independently heated to different forming temperatures with the preform tool being hotter. Gas pressure is first applied to one side of the workpiece in the first forming stage to balloon it into the cavity of the preform tool. Gas pressure is then applied to the other side of the preformed workpiece to stretch it against the finish-form surface. The hotter preform tool enables faster forming and gas venting in the first stage. The cooler finish-form tool enables the final shaping of the part and its undistorted removal from the punch surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus capable of accurately shaping, within a short time, cubic products such as trial products for press molding for mass production without limitation of a molding shape. While edge portions of a blank are clamped, a mold punch having a molding shape is pushed from a sheet thickness direction to conduct rough forming. While the mold punch is kept pushed, shaping is conducted by use of a rod-like tool from an opposite side to the mold punch sandwiching the sheet thickness.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing comprises the steps: providing a length of expandable tubing; locating an expansion tool, such as a cone, in the tubing; and applying impulses to the tool to drive the tool through the tubing and expand the tubing to a larger diameter. The tubing may be located downhole and may have a solid wall or a slotted wall.

Abstract: A draw stretch process is provided for shaping a workpiece initially comprising an elongated metal sheet having a pair of spaced opposite ends. The process involves placing the metal sheet in a metal forming position in a draw stretch forming machine between a bulldozer having a female forming surface and a die having a male forming surface. The sheet is positioned such that the ends thereof project laterally outwardly beyond the forming surfaces. The forming surfaces are complemental and configured to draw the metal sheet into a predetermined shape. The bulldozer is moveable relatively toward the die from a draw initiating position where it is adjacent the metal sheet to a fully closed metal sheet shaping position. The draw initiating position and the fully closed position are spaced apart a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for stepwise bending of sheet metal strips into trapeze-shaped pieces comprises a vice set on each side of a press punch and opposed lower-side pressure cylinder arranged to grip a central portion of the metal strip and deform it in a vertical direction as the end portions of the metal strip are retained in the vice sets. Each vice set comprises an upper-side pressure cylinder including an upper vice plate and an opposed lower-side die including a lower vice plate arranged upon closing movement to grip the end portion of the metal strip extending therebetween. Each of the vice plates is movable in a horizontal direction to accommodate the vertical deformation of the metal strip.

Abstract: In forming a fuel inlet pipe FP, (1) a portion of a base pipe is expanded by use of an expander punch to form a processed pipe comprising a neck portion, of which the diameter is the same as that of the base pipe, a tapering portion, and an expanded portion, all of these portions being connected in coaxial relation to one another (coaxially expanding process); and (2) a central axis of the neck portion and a central axis of the expanded portion are decentered relative to each other, and the expanded portion of the processed pipe is further expanded by use of an expander punch having a diameter larger than that of the expander punch used in the coaxially expanding process, thereby forming the fuel inlet pipe FP (eccentrically expanding process). The coaxially expanding process is performed one time or a plurality of times, while the eccentrically expanding process is performed only one time.

Abstract: A system for forming sheet metal (118) is disclosed. The system comprises a support plate (102) that is coupled to a base (108) and has at least one side plate (104) adjacent thereto. A clamping mechanism (200) fixes the side plate (104) to the support plate (102) so sheet metal (118) can be formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the dieless forming of a sheet. The apparatus comprises a pressing mechanism and a sheet holding mechanism which are moved with respect to each other in X, Y and Z-axis directions and has a fixed ceiling plate form having a plane shape matching the bottom profile of a product to be formed; a framelike support plate surrounding the ceiling plate form is raised and lowered by at least one pair of raising/lowering actuators, and restraining actuators apply a controllable restraining force to the sheet byway of a framelike restraining plate clamping the periphery of the sheet in the sheet thickness direction between itself and the support plate. A mechanism for causing the support plate to undergo balanced movement and a material flow control mechanism may be preferably further provided.

Abstract: A block-set form die assembly (14) for press or stretch forming a product (12), such as a sheet metal product, is provided. In one embodiment, the block-set form die assembly (14) comprises a pin box (18) having a number of pins (20) contained within a containment box (22). The pins (20) within the containment box (22) can extend longitudinally to form a surface contour (24). A set-block (26) engages the pins (20) to set the longitudinal extension of the pins (20) to form the surface contour (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an exterior body panel for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A die assembly for draw stamping sheet metal in a press. The die assembly has an upper die structure and a lower die structure, each constructed and arranged to me mounted on a press for reciprocal movement therebetween. The upper die structure and the lower die structure have complementary stamping surfaces for stamping sheet metal to a desired configuration. A clamping assembly and a stretching assembly grip the sheet metal along opposite sides of the complementary stamping surfaces and drivingly move apart in response to movement of the upper and lower die structures toward one another, thus pre-stretching the sheet metal as the upper and lower die structure are closed to stamp the sheet metal to a desired configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending a workpiece comprises a stretching device for stretching the workpiece. In the process for bending the workpiece, an inclination angle made by a direction a tension force is acted to the workpiece and a direction a stretching forth is applied to the workpiece by the stretching member is detected. The tension force acted to the workpiece is controlled in such a manner that the stretching force from the stretching member is controlled in consideration of the inclination angle. Accordingly, the amount of the spring back after bending is uniform and an accuracy of the dimension of the bent workpiece is improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretch bend forming of sheet stock and the product formed by either the apparatus or method. The method for stretch bend forming of sheet stock includes steps of (i) clamping a first portion of the sheet stock in a first clamp, (ii) clamping a second portion of the sheet stock in a second clamp, wherein the first and second clamps are in a first position, (iii) moving a mandrel a first distance in a first direction to bring the mandrel into contact with a third portion of the sheet stock, the third portion of the sheet stock disposed between the first and second portions of the sheet stock and (iv) moving the mandrel a second distance in the first direction to bend the third portion of the sheet stock.

Abstract: The equipment forms metal profiles on a stretch-bending machine on which a profile to be formed is held at its end by jaws connected to stretching rams and to a system for bending it against a convex punch member fixed to a toolholder table of the machine. The equipment includes a die member which is pressed against the punch member, once the profile has been bent against the punch member. An elastic material mandrel is placed inside the profile and the mandrel is compressed-expanded so that it presses the profile against internal surfaces of the punch member and of the die member when closed one against the other.

Abstract: A dwell cam driver for advancing a horizontal slide into engagement with a workpiece to be formed in a stamping press. The driver has a pivoted anvil and the slide also has a pivoted anvil. When the driver moves downwardly, cam faces on the anvils interengage. The anvils slide relative to one another and pivot from an inclined position to advance the slide, and finally to a vertical dwell position to retain the slide in the advanced position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tool which comprises preparation of a thermoplastic honeycomb core. The honeycomb core is suspended within a mold. The method also comprises pouring a thermosetting medium between the core and the mold to form the tool and removing the tool from the mold.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus for leveling a die mounted on die posts on a die base. The die base has first and second die posts on which is mounted a die for adjustable vertical movement. A first motor is operatively connected to the first die post for moving the first die post in a vertical direction. A first vertical position sensor cooperates with the first motor for sensing the vertical position of the first die post. A first servo-feedback device interconnects the first motor and the first vertical position sensor for transmitting a vertical position signal from the first vertical position sensor to the first servo-feedback device. A second motor is operatively connected to the second die post for moving the second die post in a vertical direction. A second vertical position sensor cooperates with the second motor for sensing the vertical position of the second die post.

Abstract: A method of forming a wide side wall of a chill mold for a thin slab casting installation and which has a bulged widened region proceeding from the upper edge of the wall and terminating toward the sides and toward the bottom of the wall, includes making the wall of copper with a thickness of 5-50 mm, and forming the bulged widened region under tension or a combination of tension and compression conditions.The apparatus for performing the method includes a bottom plate die with an appropriate contoured face, and a power-operated upper die the end face of which is shaped to match desired bulge of the widened region of the wall and cooperates with the contoured face of the bottom die plate to form the widened region.

Abstract: A method of stretching and bending hollow profiled lengths of material provides for the hollow profiled length to be bent symmetrically from both ends, starting from the ends of the length of material, simultaneously in a Y torsion direction under initial tension. Respective tools for bending the length of material are stationary and the hollow profiled length of material is bent in the torsion direction by means of a movable clamping head about the bending tool. The clamping head is also pivotable in the torsion direction. Alternatively, the hollow profiled length of material can also be bent about a bending template. The hollow profiled length of material is wound onto core tools from its ends and a pressing die acts on the hollow profiled length between the core tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapering a tube having a frame, a tube receiving end connected to the frame, a variable-orifice die arranged so as to be movable relative to the frames, and an axial tension cylinder connected to the tube receiving end so as to apply tension forces to the tube. The variable-orifice die includes a stand having a housing and a plurality of die segments arranged within the housing. The die segments contain a circular groove of varying radius. The die segments define an orifice having an entry plane and an exit plane. The exit plane and the entry plane are offset from the plane of rotation of the die segments. The orifice is truly round in a plane parallel to and offset from the plane of rotation. A motion control processer is interactively connected with the die stand and with the axial tension cylinder for controlling a position of the axial tension cylinder relative to a rate of reduction of the diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accomplishing controlled bending of elongate strip stock, such as window frame strip stock, for example. An elongate flexible die is utilized having a plurality of elongate die strips including an inner laminant having considerable beam strength. The die strips and the inner laminant are composed of a flexible polymer material or any other suitable flexible material which are retained in assembly about the strip stock to be bent by a plurality of closely spaced clamps. The elongate strip stock is confined by the flexible die along substantially its entire length during all phases of its bending and forming about a substrate having a bending surface of desired configuration.

Abstract: Method of stretch forming a workpiece comprising placing the workpiece on a former, gripping the workpiece by at least one gripper, pulling the workpiece to a desired configuration over the former by the at least one gripper, disposing a force-applying device between a fixed reaction workpiece and the workpiece and applying a desired force to the surface of the workpiece, such that the force is reacted by the force-applying device and the reaction surface. The position of the force-applying device is altered by a positioning device such that as the force is applied to different parts of the surface of the workpiece the force continues to be reacted through the force-applying device and the reaction surface in preference to being reacted through the positioning device. The positioning device is also operable to alter the position of the force applying device independently of the position of the grippers. Apparatus is also provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A bead structure for die binders which is easily convertible into either a drawbead structure or a lockbead structure includes a bead on one die binder having a generally planar roughened outer wall, a groove in the other binder, and a bead insert which is removably secured in the groove and includes a base of semi-rigid material and a series of segments secured to the base and having roughened outer walls juxtaposed to the roughened outer wall of the bead and providing a lockbead structure therewith when the binders close against a sheet metal blank. When the bead insert is removed, the bead and groove provide a drawbead structure. The sheet metal blank slides through the groove and over the roughened outer wall of the bead since the shoulders of the bead have a radius less than the radius of bending of the blank as it passes over the bead.

Abstract: An elongate member former is characterized by three-way powered forming movement and is composed of a main frame and a moveable die table mounted on the main frame and adapted to carry a die for being urged against the member to form the member into a predetermined shape. Carriage ways are carried on the main frame and first and second carriages mounted are on the carriage ways in spaced-apart relation on opposing sides of the die table. Member holders are carried by each of the first and second carriages for holding opposite ends of a member to be formed. Tensioners are carried by each of the first and second carriages for placing the member being formed under a predetermined tension. The first and second carriages rotate for applying a twisting forming movement to the member and the first and second carriages move the member holders vertically along a line perpendicular to the direction of tension application on the member for applying a nontwisting bend to the member.

Abstract: An extrusion former includes tension cylinders for holding an extrusion by its opposite ends under tension in jaws which are free to pivot in tangent relation as a centrally positioned die is urged against the extrusion to form it into a predetermined shape whereupon tension upon the extrusion is released, the hold by the jaws on the extrusion is released and formed extrusion is removed from the extrusion. A locking device locks the tension cylinders at the exact tangent position at which the extrusion is properly and completely formed to permit removal of the extrusion from the hold of the jaws without binding or kinking of the extrusion in the jaws caused by residual tension in the extrusion after forming.

Abstract: The apparatus forms an elongate tubular member into a predetermined shape while preventing crimping of the walls of the member and comprises jaws for holding the member at its opposing ends and a pressurizer for pressurizing the interior of the member to a predetermined pressure greater than atmospheric pressure while being held sufficient to provide increased effective regidity and crimp resistance to the walls of the member. A die exerts a force against the member sufficient to form the member into a predetermined shape while pressurized. The pressure within the member is released after the member has been formed into its desired shape.

Abstract: Jaws (20) and (23) on a stretch former (10) hold a metal sheet while the tension cylinders (18) and (19) stretch the metal sheet into its "yield state." In one embodiment, a bulldozer platen (33) carries a female die (32) into and out of forming contact with the metal sheet wrapped over a male die (31) carried between jaws (20) and (23). Bulldozer cylinders (35), (36), (38) and (39) are mounted in lightly spaced-apart relation to provide access to the metal forming parts of former (10). In another embodiment, a cantilever mounted transverse bulldozer beam (40) carries a female die (32). Beam (40) includes a retractable cylinder rod (46) which assists in moving die (32) into forming engagement with die (31) and, between reciprocations, can be retracted to permit unobstructed access to the metal forming interior of the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending tubular workpieces whereby a tube length is placed in front of a template and selectively driven deforming shoes urge the tube into engagement with the same. Where the desired tubular radii of curvature are relatively large the deforming shoes are driven from a stationary mount. Where shorter tubular radii are desired, generally near the tube ends, the deforming shoes are arranged such that they are incrementally translated along a path commensurable with the contour of the template. At each successive increment the deforming shoes perform a bending operation upon the tube such that it may be successively formed into its desired shape.

Abstract: Jaws (20) and (23) on a stretch former (10) hold a metal sheet while the tension cylinders (18) and (19) stretch the metal sheet into its "yield state." In one embodiment, a bulldozer platen (33) carries a female die (32) into and out of forming contact with the metal sheet wrapped over a male die (31) carried between jaws (20) and (23). Bulldozer cylinders (35), (36), (38), and (39) are mounted in lightly spaced-apart relation to provide access to the metal forming parts of former (10). In another embodiment, a cantilever mounted transverse bulldozer beam (40) carries a female die (32). Beam (40) includes a retractable cylinder rod (46) which assists in moving die (32) into forming engagement with die (31) and, between reciprocations, can be retracted to permit unobstructed access to the metal forming interior of the machine.