Abstract: A control system for a continuum robot includes a kinematics calculation unit configured to calculate a length of a wire in a bendable portion. The kinematics calculation unit includes a wire length calculation unit configured to calculate, for each of a plurality of minute sections obtained by dividing the bendable portion in a longitudinal direction thereof, a length of the wire in the minute section based on a bending angle, a turning angle, and a torsional angle of the minute section, and an addition unit configured to add the lengths of the wire in the plurality of minute sections obtained by the wire length calculation unit to calculate the length of the wire in the bendable portion.

Abstract: In order to widen the field of application of a stretcher-leveler having a minimum nominal width, at least one gripping head of the stretcher-leveler is connected to an adapter having clamping elements for clamping a plate to be stretched, the adapter having a nominal width that is smaller than the minimum nominal width of the stretcher-leveler, and a plate being stretched is connected to the gripping head via the adapter clamping elements and the adapter, before starting the stretching process.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the formation of a helical screw flight, the apparatus comprising: a drive first and second support heads arranged for relative axial movement with respect to one another in a direction of a main axis in response to actuation of the drive the first and second support heads being configured so as to be able to provide for a plurality of position adjustments including a lateral position adjustment whereby the first and second support heads can be displaced or moved laterally with respect to the main axis in a direction of respective lateral axes and a rotational position adjustment wherein at least one of the first and second work heads can be rotated about a rotation axis which extends in a direction generally parallel to coaxial with the main axis.

Abstract: Described is a method of modifying material properties of a workpiece using a high-pressure-torsion apparatus, comprising a working axis, a first anvil, a second anvil, and an annular body, comprising a first conductive chiller, a second conductive chiller, and a heater, positioned between the first conductive chiller and the second conductive chiller along the working axis. The method comprises compressing the workpiece along a central axis of the workpiece and, simultaneously with compressing the workpiece alone the central axis, twisting the workpiece about the central axis. The method further comprises, while compressing the workpiece along the central axis and twisting the workpiece about the central axis, translating the annular body along the working axis of the high-pressure-torsion apparatus, collinear with the central axis of the workpiece, and heating the workpiece with the heater.

Abstract: Described is a method of modifying material properties of a workpiece using a high-pressure-torsion apparatus, comprising a working axis, a first anvil, a second anvil, and an annular body, comprising a first total-loss convective chiller, a second total-loss convective chiller, and a heater, positioned between the first total-loss convective chiller and the second total-loss convective chiller along the working axis. The method comprises compressing the workpiece along a central axis of the workpiece and, simultaneously with compressing the workpiece along the central axis, twisting the workpiece about the central axis. The method further comprises, while compressing the workpiece along the central axis and twisting the workpiece about the central axis, translating the annular body along the working axis of the high-pressure-torsion apparatus, collinear with the central axis of the workpiece, and heating the workpiece with the heater.

Abstract: Described is a method of modifying material properties of a workpiece using a high-pressure-torsion apparatus, comprising a working axis, a first anvil, a second anvil, and an annular body, comprising a first recirculating convective chiller, a second recirculating convective chiller, and a heater, positioned between the first recirculating convective chiller and the second recirculating convective chiller along the working axis. The method comprises compressing the workpiece along a central axis of the workpiece and. simultaneously with compressing the workpiece along the central axis, twisting the workpiece about the central axis. The method further comprises. while compressing the workpiece along the central axis and twisting the workpiece about the central axis, translating the annular body along the working, axis of the high-pressure-torsion apparatus, collinear with the central axis of the workpiece, and heating the workpiece with the heater.

Abstract: A sheet metal blank is formed into a helical turbine blade by stretching an outer portion of the blank by creating indents and detents thereon. Then the stretched side is flattened and the stretched structure is formed into a helical shape.

Abstract: Methods of refining the grain size of titanium and titanium alloys include multiple upset and draw forging. Titanium and titanium alloy workpieces are heated to a workpiece forging temperature within a workpiece forging temperature range in the alpha+beta phase field. The workpiece may comprise a starting cross-sectional dimension. The workpiece is upset forged in the workpiece forging temperature range. After upsetting, the workpiece is multiple pass draw forged in the workpiece forging temperature range. Multiple pass draw forging may comprise incrementally rotating the workpiece in a rotational direction followed by draw forging the workpiece after each incremental rotation. Incrementally rotating and draw forging the workpiece is repeated until the workpiece comprises substantially the same starting cross-sectional dimension.

Abstract: A part correcting device for an automobile part may include a body in which the part is disposed, a hydraulic apparatus which presses and fixes one side of the part disposed in the body, a warpage correcting apparatus which corrects a warpage of the part by rotating the other side of the part left or right while fixing the other side of the part disposed in the body, and a deformation correcting apparatus which corrects an angle of the part by pressing flanges formed on both sides of the part downwardly while fixing the flanges.

Abstract: An arrangement apparatus and an arrangement method of allowing gripping devices to grip electrical conductors by using inexpensive, simple, and small-sized configurations. A stator manufacturing apparatus for arranging coil elements in a ring shape includes: a plurality of gripping devices that are arranged in a ring shape and grip coil elements; robot arms that supply the coil elements to the gripping devices; and a turntable that integrally rotates the plurality of gripping devices. According to this, the gripping devices are rotated by the turntable is aligned in a ring shape, and thus, the coil elements are supplied to the arrangement points by the robot arms and the plurality of coil elements can be aligned in a ring shape while gripped by the gripping devices.

Abstract: A forming apparatus (20) and method are provided for forming an item (10). The item includes an end part (12), a body part (14) and a tip (16), the body part extending from the end part, the tip being located at an end of the body part remote from the end part. The invention is characterized in that the apparatus includes a tip holder (22) for holding the tip and an end die (26) for clamping the end part; a rotator (42) for inducing relative rotation between the end die and the tip holder which, in a twisting step, induces a twist in the body part in use; and a body die (32), the body die including one or more formation surfaces (34), the body die being arranged in use in a conformation step to conform one or more surfaces (50) of the twisted body part to the or each formation surface.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a hollow bar that forms elements of a grille or railing of a metalwork piece where the bar is twisted manually, machine-assisted or automated machinery, into a spiral form for decorative or ornamental purposes. By providing the hollow bar to be comprised of separate longitudinal parts which may be hinged-joined to complementarily fastened to each other to form the hollow bar, the longitudinal joints are thus amenable to increased torsional stress, such that each of the parts may be twisted without breaching the material's fatigue limit and the bar as a whole capable of being twisted with more spiral turns within its elasticity limits. The twisted bar may thus be released for re-working for adjustments or re-installation. A number of exemplary joint embodiments, internal and external bracing accessories are also disclosed to cater for the different longitudinal part fabrication, e.g. by extrusion or roll-milling.

Abstract: It is described a clamping system (30) of special conductors (S1, S2, S3) for a stator or rotor bar winding (U1, S1, S2, S3) for an electric machine, such as connection terminals (S1), jumpers (S2), neutrals or star points (S3), etc. The system (30) allows the special conductors (S1, S2, S3) to be clamped during a twisting step and/or a step of picking up such conductors from a twisting device (250). The system comprises a system axis (T-T), a plurality of grippers (10) aligned or able to be aligned along a circumference lying on a plane substantially perpendicular to the system axis (T-T) and actuation elements (50, 60, 70, 80, 90) of the grippers (10). Each gripper includes a pair of jaws (32, 33) mounted so as to be mobile in a plane transversal to said system axis (T-T).

Abstract: A twisting apparatus (30) of preformed bar conductors (25) for bar windings of electric machines comprising a twisting device (50) having at least a first (51) and a second body (52) coaxial to one another and extending around a twisting axis (Zt-Zt) defining an axial direction and respectively comprising a first (A1) and a second (A2) circular array of pockets. The twisting device (50) comprises a system for clamping bar conductors comprising at least one sliding clamping element (72, 92) movable in a radial direction with respect to the axial direction (Zt-Zt) to take up an advanced operative position in which it has an end portion (73, 74, 93, 94) that projects inside an associated pocket and a set-back operating position.

Abstract: A twisting device (10) is described adapted to simultaneously twist a plurality of bar electric conductors (11) for making a stator or rotor winding for an electric machine, comprising: at least one first body (12) extending around a twisting axis (Z-Z) and comprising a first circular array of channels (15) having center on such an axis (Z-Z); and—at least one second body (13), extending around and coaxial with the first body (12), comprising a second circular array of channels (16) with center on the twisting axis (Z-Z); associated with each of the channels (15) of at least one of said first and second arrays, a channel extension groove (15A) extending longitudinally in a direction parallel to the twisting axis (Z-Z) and projecting from the respective channel (15) in a direction (CC) circumferential with respect to said axis (Z-Z).

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 twisting apparatus (30) of preformed bar conductors (25) for bar windings of electric machines is described, each of said conductors (25) comprising one or more legs (5), the twisting apparatus (30) comprising a twisting device (50) having at least a first (51) and a second body (52) coaxial to one another and extending around a twisting axis (Zt-Zt) defining an axial direction and respectively comprising a first (A1) and a second (A2) circular array of pockets with centre on such an axis (Zt-Zt), the pockets being suitable for receiving legs (5) of the preformed bar conductors, the bodies (51, 52) being rotatable relative to one another around the twisting axis.

Abstract: A device and method for twisting a work piece about an axis. The device includes first and second linear actuators attached to opposite sides of a shaft. The device also includes a first clamp attached to the shaft and a second clamp aligned with the first clamp along the axis. The first clamp is disposed between the linear actuators and the second clamp. Movement of the first and second linear actuators causes the shaft and first clamp to rotate about the axis while the second clamp remains in a fixed position. The method includes the steps of retaining a work piece within the first and second clamps, activating the first and second linear actuators in opposite directions causing the first clamp to rotate about the axis, and maintaining simultaneously the second clamp in a first position, whereby the work piece is twisted along the axis.

Abstract: A bending machine for bending elongated workpieces supplied from a magazine is disclosed. The bending machine comprises a base support; two bending robots arranged on a common guideway centrally mounted to the base support, such that the robots are displaceable parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base support. A holding clamp is positioned on the front face of the base support, with one auxiliary gripper on either side of the holding clamp. The holding clamp is displaceable in parallel with the bending robots. A discharge gripper is positioned on the rear surface of the base support, laterally offset with respect to the holding clamp. All grippers and clamps are pivotable to an inner pivoting position, in which they can hold a workpiece in the working area of the bending machine between both bending robots; and to an outer pivoting position away from the base support.

Abstract: A process of production of three-dimensional products from wire (1) or other suitable material, which process may be implemented in a system (8) that may include an advancement mechanism (9), a straightening mechanism (11), a length measuring arrangement (18) towards which advances the material (1), a gripper arrangement (14) suitable to hold the material with fixed grippers (15) and simultaneously with other grippers (16) to twist it to a desired angle around its longitudinal axis (X), and a rotatable bending mechanism (12) that can bend the material plastically in one plane and simultaneously can rotate at a desired angle around the longitudinal axis (X) of the wire (1) so that it may generate bends in different planes. The system (8) implementing the process may also carry a cutting arrangement (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rod capable of securely connecting pedicle screws in a pedicle screw system for correcting a damaged or transformed spine and a method and an apparatus for fabricating the same and, more particularly, to a flexible pedicle rod with superelasticity in order to provide a flexibility to a fixation between spine segments and a method and an apparatus capable of fabrication the same in mass production.

Abstract: A twisted wire actuator, whereby the shortening of the length of a wire or a bundle of wires, as it is twisted, is used to control the motion of an actuated element, achieving sub-micron motion resolution. The control can be performed robotically. The high resolution can be achieved without the use of gears, sliders, or high precision lead screws, thus enabling a simplified actuation system and eliminating sources of friction. The use of wires operating in opposing directions and having oppositely directed rotations significantly reduces the non-linearity effect inherent in twisted wire actuation, resulting in a system having a good level of motion linearity as a function of control input impulse. The use of multiple twisted wires attached to the actuated element at different angles, enables the implementation of robotic systems with multiple degrees of freedom. Several experimental actuators verify these results.

Abstract: In a method of making a metallic thin wire 1, one single metallic thin wire 2 is prepared to have a predetermined length with a middle portion of the one single metallic thin wire 2 as a fixed portion. Front and rear half portions of the one single metallic thin wire 2 are twisted with a tensile weight W applied to the front and rear half portions in the lengthwise direction. The one single metallic thin wire 2 is processed with a heat treatment to remove a residual stress. This provides the metallic thin wire 1 with a high rotation-following capability and high torque transmissibility, thus enabling artisans to usefully apply the metallic thin wire 1 to a main wire component 25 of a medical tool and equipment.

Abstract: In a method of making a metallic thin wire 1, one single metallic thin wire 2 is prepared to have a predetermined length with a middle portion of the one single metallic thin wire 2 as a fixed portion. Front and rear half portions of the one single metallic thin wire 2 are twisted with a tensile weight W applied to the front and rear half portions in the lengthwise direction. The one single metallic thin wire 2 is processed with a heat treatment to remove a residual stress. This provides the metallic thin wire 1 with a high rotation-following capability and high torque transmissibility, thus enabling artisans to usefully apply the metallic thin wire 1 to a main wire component 25 of a medical tool and equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are utilized to form turbulators. The apparatus includes a first mechanism for accepting a ribbon of material along an axis, a second mechanism for rotating an end of the ribbon of material, and a third mechanism for moving the second mechanism substantially parallel to the axis. The third mechanism is configured to operate independently from the operation of the second mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a twisting apparatus for an ultrafine rectangular bar, comprising: a chuck; chuck driving means; at least two vise clamps each of the vise clamps having a pressing surface capable of contacting to a side surface of the ultrafine rectangular bar; and vise clamp driving means. The chuck driving means and the vise clamp driving means are so controlled that, after the proximal end of the ultrafine rectangular bar is held by the chuck where the vise clamps are placed closely to the ultrafine rectangular bar, the chuck disengages the ultrafine rectangular bar when the vise clamps contact to the ultrafine rectangular bar and then engages again the ultrafine rectangular bar, in a ease where the vise clamps are approached closely to the ultrafine rectangular bar held by the chuck to twist the ultrafine rectangular bar upon isolating, as rotated correlatively, the chuck and the vise clamps from each other.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece such as a cast turbine blade allows bending and/or twist correction of the workpiece with the movable ram of a press. The fixture includes a base and a pair of workpiece supports mounted at spaced locations on the base. A bearing such as a spherical swivel bearing is included in each workpiece support. Each bearing has a mount receiving a portion of the workpiece therein. When the workpiece is supported by the bearing mounts along a support axis, and is engaged by the press ram intermediate the workpiece supports for bending correction, the bearings and workpiece can move in at least one plane including the support axis. Preferably, the bearings also allow rotational movement about the support axis, while a rotation imparting member allows twist correction by rotational movement of one bearing and the workpiece portion therein with respect to the other bearing which is restricted from rotating.

Abstract: A machine for bending and twisting flat metal wire for producing a motor vehicle wiper arm. The machine includes device for feeding and maintaining the wire, and at least a mechanism capable of gripping and releasing the wire in output of the feeding and maintaining device, and which is, under the action of a driver associated with a transmission device, mobile in several directions, rotating about the axis moving the wire, and moving, in one direction or another, in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces of the wire.

Abstract: In a method for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method 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: Bulges in a wire having helically coiled strands are formed by untwisting the strands in an anti-helical direction at a predetermined position, to form an electrical connector from a length of the stranded wire. The wire is gripped by moving two spaced apart clamp members to a closed position and thereafter rotating the clamp members relative to one another in at least one complete relative revolution in a direction which is anti-helical relative to the coiled strands to form the bulge. The wire is gripped and rotated in the anti-helical direction for a relative rotational interval of greater than one-half, and preferably three-fourths, of a complete relative revolution. Thereafter, during the remaining rotational interval of each relative revolution, the clamp members are opened to permit the wire to be advanced to the next position where a bulge is to be formed.

Abstract: Adaptor and twister apparatus, which adapts an existing bender apparatus to also twist vertically oriented metal stock, is provided. Removing the alternate function's parts avoids interaction between them. The twister has an adjustable clamp which grips the supporting pedestal, having an attached adjustable stock bottom locator. A vertical opening in the adaptor offset from the pedestal receives stock to be twisted, and pivotably mounts a lever for twisting the stock. The stock extends along the side of the pedestal through the lever, the vertical opening and the clamp. Vertical aligned holes in the clamp and the lever, which are also aligned with the vertical opening in the adaptor, are arranged to grip the stock cross-section, which results in only the stock between these parts being twisted. The location of the clamp and bottom locator can be changed to adjust the length and the location of the twisted portion.

Abstract: A method of making a folded metal bellows wherein an n-sided mandrel is positioned within a metal tube at an initial position. A convolution is formed by: axially moving and turning the mandrel with respect to and within the tube from the initial position to a second position. The mandrel is then fixed to the tube and driven towards the initial position while turning the mandrel (and the tube).

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a machine for shaping a bus bar comprises a first retaining device, a second retaining device, a twisting device and an offset mechanism. The first retaining device is arranged to secure a first section of the bus bar in a first plane. The second retaining device is arranged to secure a second section of the bus bar. The twisting device is connected to the second retaining device and rotates the second retaining device to twist the second section of the bus bar about a longitudinal axis of the bus bar positioning the bus bar in a second plane. The offset mechanism is connected to the first retaining device and is arranged to offset the second section of the bus bar in a third plane, the third plane generally parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: A spacer device for use with a basket forming apparatus, the spacer device comprises a plurality of angularly spaced, radially extending arms (3, 4, 5, 6) corresponding in number to the number of metal bars forming the basket, each of which arms is adapted in use to engage with a respective one of the metal bars forming the basket-shaped article as the said article is twisted into its finished shape.

Abstract: A novel process of forming a member, process of forming an extruded and axially twisted member, such as a drill, a fastener, a self-drilling/tapping fastener, and the member formed by the process is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a blank; extruding a predetermined shape along at least a section of the blank, thereby forming at least two first portions and at least two portions on the extruded section; forming a head on the end of the blank to define a head and a shank; and axially twisting at least a section of the first and second portions a predetermined amount. As a result of the twisting step, each first portion forms a spiral along the length of the twisted section and each second portion forms a spiral along the length of the twisted section. The first portions alternate with the second portions and each second portion defines a spiral groove for transporting material along the length of the shank. The resulting member can be threaded along all or a portion of the shank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming hollow extrusions. Specifically, a method and apparatus for imparting one or more bends and/or twists in a hollow extrusion under stretch. The apparatus may perform all of these formation and stretch functions as the result of one single physical or mechanical force imparted on the apparatus from either an internal or an external source. The forming apparatus and method may provide an easy way to mount and/or dismount the hollow extrusion form the machine by way of separate or integral gripper mounts. The single-force stretch-bend-twist apparatus may be used in a mass production manufacturing environment where the machine and method can perform complex formation steps and may automatically reset itself back to a starting position after formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forming press of crankshafts which is safe, has a slide of large strength and high forming precision, and is capable of high-speed cyclic operation. A forming press of crankshafts includes a forging unit for twisting and a forging unit for reshaping, wherein (i) a twisting oil-hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the crown, (ii) twisting push rods are disposed along outer surfaces of the slide, and (iii) the bottom ends of the twisting push rods are connected by twisting-down beams and untwisting beams. The slide is of inverted T-form in section, and the pressing block is of H-form as seen from above and of inverted U-form as seen from one side. Therefore, they do not interfere with each other and a large stroke can be secured. The twisting angle is set using an upper stopper provided in the pressing block and an automatic telescopic lower stopper provided in the slide and freely movable toward and away from the upper stopper.

Abstract: A twisting machine for polygonal cross-section bars having an independent jaw chuck fitted on a mandrel and a counteracting support slidable on a prismatic guide, which is firmly connected to the machine and parallel to the mandrel; the jaw chuck includes a mutually co-operating rotary connection between the mandrel and the chuck in the form of a groove for ball-recirculating and a mutually engagement, such as an abutment projection diametrally projecting from and integral with the mandrel and a longitudinal pin connected to the chuck, which are adapted to drive into rotation the chuck by the mandrel, after a free rotation of the mandrel along an arc with an angle less than a round angle.

Abstract: The apparatus allows a metal blank which, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of bars held in parallel relationship, to be formed into a twisted and bowed shaped object (4) which is referred to in the art as a basket. The forming can be achieved without the need for heating of the metal blank or high powered drive means and so, in one embodiment, can be formed by cold forming and the apparatus can be manually driven. The apparatus can also be adapted to form metal blanks into other forms by the fitting of appropriate forming tools.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for uniformly twisting hollow, open-seam rods with preferably rectangular cross-sections for use as decorative curtain rods are disclosed. The twist extends throughout substantially the entire length of the rod. This feature enables a telescoped pair of rods, that is, a pair of rods with an inner rod dimensioned to slide into and out of an outer rod, to be twisted simultaneously such that the telescoping feature is maintained after twisting. The apparatus includes a rotatable first chuck and a substantially non-rotatable second chuck. Each chuck has male and female components to engage the inner and outer surfaces of a respective end of the rod. These components prevent buckling along the open seam and permit twisting throughout substantially the entire length of the rods. Sensor controls ensure uniform twisting and controlled unwinding of the rods.

Abstract: Discrete bars are formed into a spiral component for a baluster by disposing a plurality of the bars side by side. A rod is butt welded to one of the two ends of the plurality of bars. Then the bars are cold twisted axially a first angular amount in one direction by applying twisting torque along the bars, without twisting the rod welded to the bars. The bars are also cold twisted in the opposite direction a second angular amount less than the first angular amount, while axially compressing the bars to form a spiral. The twisting can be done with a machine having a spaced pair of holding devices mounted on a frame. These holding devices can hold therebetween a number of the bars side by side and in abutting alignment with one of the rods. At least one of the holding devices has a holder for holding and preventing twisting of one of the rods. One of the holding devices can twist the bars while the other acts as a slider mounted on a pair of rails to be driven by a linear ram.

Abstract: A twist-forming process and a coining process for a crank shaft are carried out by using one twist-forming press including a twist forming section and a coining section, and a stopper height adjusting means for determining the crank pin arrangement and for finely adjusting the twist angles is integrally incorporated into the twist-forming press.

Abstract: Method, applicable to two-dimensional wire bending machines for extension of their operation in bending to form three-dimensional wire frames, which is characterised by the application of a torsional moment along the axis of the wire and before the bending region, causing a permanent plastic deformation of the wire, by twisting it beyond the elastic region, with eventual result any bending action already occured in the regular plane of the two-dimensional bending macnine to be positioned a new plane, which form an angle with the regular plane equal to the remaining due to plastic deformation angle of twist.

Abstract: An untwisted hollow blade with internal reinforcing ribs is formed by diffusion bonding two halves. A predominate portion of the blade twist is accomplished by gravity creep deforming against a supporting die, aided by applying twisting moments at the ends. The blade is free to move axially at one end. Simultaneous heat soak for solution heat treatment minimizes overall grain growth. Later, hot forming between heated dies is supplemented with internal blade pressure after die closing. Metal flow is more easily predictable whereby finite element analysis may establish the proper starting form.

Abstract: A system for forming components to have a predetermined contour includes a manipulator having four manipulating heads 44, 52, 56, 58 which engage longitudinally spaced portions of the component. The system uses the manipulator to determine the initial contour of an increment of the length of the component, compares the measured contour with the required contour to determine the contour or shape error and then controls the manipulator to apply one or more permanent set deflections in accordance with the required contour. The manipulator is then advanced relative to the component and further measuring and deflections steps are performed until the component has the required contour.

Abstract: A system for forming components to have a predetermined contour includes a manipulator having four manipulating heads 44, 52, 56, 58 which engage longitudinally spaced portions of the component. The system uses the manipulator to determine the initial contour of an increment of the length of the component, compares the measured contour with the required contour to determine the contour or shape error and then controls the manipulator to apply one or more permanent set deflections in accordance with the required contour. The manipulator is then advanced relative to the component and further measuring and deflections steps are performed until the component has the required contour.

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 apparatus for continuously producing a tube having helical grooves in its surface comprises a first drum, a flier having an axis intersecting the axis of the first drum at right angles therewith and rotatable around the first drum, and a second drum. One of the two drums serves as a pay-off drum for paying off a tube having straight grooves in its inner surface, while the other drum serves as a take-up drum for winding thereon the helically grooved tube obtained. At one side of the pay-off drum where the paid-off straight-grooved tube is to be transferred to the flier, a device is provided for preventing the torsion of the tube produced by the rotation of the flier from being transmitted toward the pay-off drum. A correcting device is provided between the flier and the take-up drum for remedying deformation of the helically grooved tube. With the rotation of the flier, the straight-grooved tube is twisted, whereby the straight grooves are deformed to helical grooves to afford a helically grooved tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing a tube having helical grooves in its inner surface comprising a tube twising rotary frame, a pay-off drum mounted on the rotary frame for paying off a tube having straight grooves in its inner surface, a nozzle provided at the front end of the rotary frame and having an adjustable inside diameter for sending out the paid-off tube forwardly of the rotary frame, and at least one pair of catching rollers provided in front of the rotary frame and disposed close to the nozzle for holding the sent-out tube. Each of the catching rollers is formed in its peripheral surface with a groove of semicircular cross section in conformity with approximately one-half of the outer periphery of the tube. With the rotation of the rotary frame, the straight-grooved tube is twisted between the nozzle and the catching rollers, whereby the straight grooves are deformed to helical grooves.

Abstract: In dental treatment for fitting a wire piece onto the teeth and/or jaw, a patient is subjected to repeated bending and in some cases twisting of the wire and some arrangement for completing the treatment, with whose help the bending and twisting process takes place automatically by machinery. Accordingly, next the data about the shape of the teeth and/or jaw is ascertained and put into an electronic computer, where this data is converted into control data. The wire piece will then be put into a bending machine with separately controlled stepping drives for advancing the wire, twisting and bending, whose drive through the command of the computer will automatically be controlled. The bending machine comprises essentially an advancing means, a torsion work piece of two grippers relatively rotatable with each other and a bending work piece with a moving bending edge substantially perpendicular to the wire axis.